Gastrointestinal impaction by Parascaris equorum in a Thoroughbred foal in Jeju, Korea.

This study reports the first diagnosed case of gastrointestinal blockage by the parasite Parascaris equorum in a Thoroughbred foal in South Korea, highlighting the importance of regular parasite treatments.

Background of the Research

• The research revolves around a case study concerning a Thoroughbred foal from Jeju, South Korea. The foal was admitted to the Equine Hospital with signs of colic which is severe, often fluctuating pain in the abdomen, caused by gas or other disturbances in the horse’s digestive system.
• The symptoms observed were severe, with the animal showing high levels of stress and discomfort including excessive sweating, appearing visibly anxious, and showing indicators of abdominal pain.
• Upon clinical examination, the foal was found to have tachycardia (fast heart rate) and tachypnea (rapid breathing). The mucous membranes were observed as congested and slightly cyanotic, indicative of inadequate oxygenation.
• A complete lack of intestinal sounds suggested an issue with the foal’s gastrointestinal tract, which was confirmed by rectal palpation revealing impactions in the cecum and large colon.

Treatment and Outcome

• The foal was treated with an intravenous balanced electrolyte solution, nasogastric siphonage, and analgesic administration to alleviate pain.
• Nasogastric reflux yielded the presence of ascarids, a common type of parasitic roundworm causing gastrointestinal problems in horses. Despite treatment, it was unsuccessful in ameliorating the colic symptoms.
• The foal unfortunately passed away three hours post-discharge due to the owner’s economic limitations in opting for a more invasive procedure like a laparotomy.
• The foal had not received any antihelmintic treatment as a preventative measure against parasites prior to falling ill.

Results and Implications

• The post-mortem examination revealed a large accumulation of ascarids in the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine–confirming Parascaris equorum as the source of impaction and distress.
• This is the first reported instance of a Thoroughbred foal in South Korea suffering from gastrointestinal impaction due to Parascaris equorum, and ultimately succumbing to it.
• One of the significant implications of this research is to emphasize the criticality of regular prophylactic anthelmintic treatment, or deworming, as a preventative measure against such debilitating and fatal gastrointestinal disorders in horses.