Equine verminous arteritis; efficiency and speed of larvicidal acitivty as influenced by dosage of albendazole.

This research investigates how the drug Albendazole impacts the larvae of Strongylus vulgaris, a horse parasite, in the artery, exploring the speed and effectiveness of this process across different dosages. It also looks at the effects of the dosage on the horses themselves.

Objective of the Research

• The primary objective of this study was to observe the efficacy and speed of the larvicidal activity of Albendazole, a widely used antiparasitic drug, on Strongylus vulgaris larvae.
• The researchers also aimed to analyze the different impact of various drug dosages on larvae disintegration and possible toxicity in horses.

Methodology

• The researchers administered a 20% suspension of Albendazole to ponies via a stomach tube, with dosages varying in size and frequency.
• They observed the effects over a period of 3 to 6 weeks, noting any signs of toxicity in the horses, and monitoring the breakdown of the larvae.
• All instances of verminous arterial lesions were documented, with resolution delayed until the remains of the larvae had disappeared entirely from the lesions.

Findings

• The researchers discovered that the administration of Albendazole caused the death and gradual disintegration of Strongylus vulgaris larvae, however the speed and effect varied with dosage.
• A dosage of 50 mg/kg body weight twice a day for 2 days led to the death and gradual disintegration of the larvae over a period of 3 to 6 weeks, with mild toxic signs appearing in 3 out of 11 ponies treated.
• Increasing the dose of Albendazole led to faster disintegration of the larvae. However, 3 of the 6 ponies that received a higher dosage exhibited fatal toxicity.

Statistical Analysis

• The research team applied non-parametric analysis methods to evaluate the combined radiographic, pathologic, and parasitologic observations and data, testing their statistical significance.

Significance of the Study

• This research provides valuable information about the effectiveness and potential risks of different dosages of Albendazole in the treatment of equine verminous arteritis.
• The findings could help guide the development of rates of medication dosage that can optimally destroy Strongylus vulgaris larvae without posing a severe toxicity risk to the treated horses.