HomeEquine Research BankVet Clin North Am Equine PractParasitism and colic.

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice2009; 25(2); 233-245; doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2009.04.003

Parasitism and colic.

Reinemeyer, CR
·
Nielsen, MK

Abstract: Equids are hosts to dozens of species of internal parasites that infect no other domestic animals. Virtually all horses, especially those exposed to pasture, experience some level of parasitism continuously. Despite pathologic evidence of parasitic damage in various organs and tissues, few parasitisms are manifested systemically in well-managed horses. Contrary to conventional wisdom, only three common parasitisms of horses are likely to be manifested as colic: Strongylus vulgaris, Parascaris equorum, and Anoplocephala perfoliata. This article discusses the life cycles, pathophysiology, manifestations and clinical findings, treatment, and management of these three common parasitisms. It also discusses related aspects of several other parasitisms that are unlikely to cause colic.

Publication Date: 2009-07-08 PubMed ID: 19580936DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2009.04.003Google Scholar: Lookup

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Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article discusses how parasitism in equids, or horse family animals, can lead to colic. More specifically, it focuses on the three types of parasitic infections – Strongylus vulgaris, Parascaris equorum, and Anoplocephala perfoliata – that are proven to cause colic in horses.

Objective of the Study

The main goal of this paper was to explore the association of parasitism with colic in horses, emphasizing the three common parasites that are highly likely to manifest in colic, which are Strongylus vulgaris, Parascaris equorum, and Anoplocephala perfoliata.

Internal Parasites in Equids

Equids are susceptible to several types of internal parasites that do not affect any other domestic animals.
All horses, especially those who graze on pastures, are subject to some degree of parasitic infection at all times.
Even though there is pathological evidence of damage by parasites to various organs and tissues, well-managed horses rarely exhibit systemic symptoms.

Parasitism and Colic

Of multiple parasitic infections, only Strongylus vulgaris, Parascaris equorum, and Anoplocephala perfoliata are likely to cause colic – a painful digestive disorder that can be critical in equids.
Contrary to common belief, most other parasitic infections do not result in colic. This clarifies the misconception that all parasitic infections can cause colic.

Study of Common Parasitisms

This paper provides a comprehensive study on the life cycles, pathophysiology (mechanism by which disease disturbs normal bodily function), symptoms, and clinical findings, treatment, and management of the three common parasitic infections.
Understanding of these crucial aspects can aid in better prevention and treatment of colic resulting from these parasitisms.

Analysis of Other Parasitisms

Other parasitic infections unlikely to cause colic are also touched upon, contributing to a more rounded understanding of equine parasitism overall.

Cite This Article

APA

Reinemeyer CR, Nielsen MK. (2009). Parasitism and colic. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 25(2), 233-245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2009.04.003

Publication

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice

ISSN: 1558-4224

NlmUniqueID: 8511904

Country: United States

Language: English

Volume: 25

Issue: 2

Pages: 233-245

Researcher Affiliations

Reinemeyer, Craig R

East Tennessee Clinical Research, Inc., 80 Copper Ridge Farm Road, Rockwood, TN 37854, USA. crr@easttenncr.com

Nielsen, Martin Krarup

MeSH Terms

Animals
Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
Colic / complications
Colic / parasitology
Colic / veterinary
Helminthiasis, Animal / complications
Helminthiasis, Animal / drug therapy
Horse Diseases / parasitology
Horse Diseases / pathology
Horses

Citations

This article has been cited 18 times.

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