Controlled tests of fenbendazole against migrating Strongylus vulgaris in ponies.

This article discusses an experiment that tests the effectiveness of fenbendazole, a deworming medication, against a common helminth parasite in ponies. The study used sixteen pony foals, some of which were treated with fenbendazole, and observed the clinical symptoms and survival rate of the ponies.

Objective of the Research

• The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of fenbendazole, when used against Strongylus vulgaris – a common parasite in ponies.
• Researchers tested fenbendazole’s ability to minimize clinical signs of acute arteritis- a condition associated with this parasitic infection, and the drug’s potential toxicity.

Research Methodology

• The researchers started the study with sixteen pony foals that were raised in a parasite-free environment. All these ponies were then inoculated with Strongylus vulgaris.
• After 7 days post-inoculation, twelve of these ponies were given a 10% suspension of fenbendazole by stomach tube. The dosage was 50 mg/kg of body weight. The other four ponies remained untreated and acted as controls in the experiment.
• On the 8th day after inoculation, eight ponies from the treated group received a second dose of fenbendazole. On the 9th day post-inoculation, four out of these eight ponies were given a third dose of the anthelmintic medication.
• On the 28th day post-inoculation or if the ponies died before this term, they were necropsied.

Findings of the Study

• Fenbendazole was found to be effective for minimizing the clinical signs associated with acute arteritis induced by Strongylus vulgaris.
• In the group of ponies that were treated for three consecutive days, fenbendazole was very efficient in eliminating the early 4th-stage larvae of S. vulgaris.
• After administering fenbendazole, no clinical signs of toxicosis were observed, meaning that the ponies tolerated the medication well.

Conclusion

• As per the results from this study, fenbendazole appears to be a promising anthelmintic for controlling S. vulgaris in ponies.
• It was found effective in minimizing the clinical signs of acute arteritis, and in eliminating the early 4th-stage larvae of S. vulgaris. Plus, the drug demonstrated no observable toxicity, making it a safe treatment choice.