Critical test evaluation of butamisole against gastrointestinal parasites of horses and ponies.

The research article presents a critical test evaluation of the drug butamisole and its efficiency against gastrointestinal parasites in horses and ponies, as compared to a commercially available anthelmintic composed of piperazine-thiabendazole.

Methodology

• Researchers performed a critical test using an injectable butamisole formulation to assess its anthelmintic or anti-parasitic properties.
• The test was conducted on 10 horses and 15 ponies that had naturally acquired parasitic infections.
• Butamisole was administered at doses of 2.5 or 3.75 mg/kg of body weight, through subcutaneous or deep intramuscular injection.

Findings

• When given at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg, butamisole was found to be highly effective, at a 99% success rate, against the parasite Strongylus vulgaris predominantly found in horses.
• The same dose showed moderate effectiveness, at about a 49% success rate, against the parasite Parascaris equorum, another common parasite in horses.
• Butamisole, when given at a dose rate of 3.75 mg/kg, was highly effective against both S. vulgaris (97% effectiveness) and P. equorum (94% effectiveness).
• However, the drug had limited efficacy against other parasite species. The study does not specify which these are.

Safety & Side Effects

• One positive outcome was that no signs of toxicosis, long-term swelling at the injection sites or tissue damage were observed after the drug was administered.

Implications and Conclusion

• The potent anti-parasitic effects of butamisole against S.vulgaris and P.equorum suggests it could potentially be used as an effective treatment method for these infections in horses and ponies.