Critical tests with oxibendazole against gastrointestinal parasites of ponies.

This research study tested the effectiveness of oxibendazole, an anthelmintic drug, in eradicating various species of gastrointestinal parasites in ponies. The results varied based on the dosage administered and the type of parasite, but overall the drug was highly effective against several species of strongylids and pinworms.

Research Methodology

• Twenty ponies were randomly allocated into four groups, each containing five ponies.
• Oxibendazole was administered orally at different dosage levels: 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg.
• The effectiveness of each dose was measured by the percentage of different types of parasites removed.

Results for Large and Small Strongylids

• For the three groups of ponies given the largest doses of oxibendazole, effectiveness rates against three species of Strongylus parasites ranged from 92 to 100%.
• Moreover, the same dosage was more than 99% effective against small strongylids of the genera Cyathostomum, Cylicocyclus, Cylicodontophorus, and Cylicostephanus.
• In the group of ponies given the smallest dose (5 mg/kg), the removal rates of large strongylids and small strongylids ranged from 86 to 100% and 84 to 100% respectively.

Results for Pinworms and Trichostrongylus axei

• Oxibendazole effectively removed all adult pinworms (Oxyuris equi) and between 95 to 100% of larvae across all groups.
• Trichostrongylus axei was found only in four of the five ponies that were administered the smallest dose. The findings were promising but inconsistent.

Results for Parascaris equorum and Small Strongylid 4th-stage Larvae

• Almost all of the Parascaris equorum were found in the group of ponies administered 5 mg/kg; no anthelmintic activity was detected at this dose level.
• Oxibendazole was capable of removing approximately 99% of small strongylid 4th-stage larvae.

Results for Gasterophilus intestinalis, Habronema spp, and Setaria equina

• However, the drug showed no efficacy against the larval stages of Gasterophilus intestinalis
• Similarly, no anthelminthic activity was observed against Habronema spp and Setaria equina.

In summary, the study establishes the high efficiency of oxibendazole against several species of gastrointestinal parasites in ponies, with the degree of efficacy varying with the dose level and the type of parasite. Some parasites showed resistance to the drug, highlighting the need for additional research.