Studies on the efficacy of fenbendazole used in a divided dosage regime against strongyle infections in ponies.

This research investigates the effectiveness of a fenbendazole treatment regimen against certain internal parasitic infections in ponies. The study recorded positive results in significantly reducing parasite numbers.

Research Context

• The study focuses on fenbendazole, a medication often used to treat various types of parasite infections in animals.
• The researchers evaluated this drug’s effectiveness against the immature stages of Trichonema spp, Strongylus vulgaris and Strongylus edentatus parasites, which are typical in ponies.

Study Design and Methodology

• Eight ponies infected naturally with these parasites, aged between 30 to 36 months, were used for the study.
• These were split into two groups based on their prior treatment history and fecal egg counts – a standard measure of infection intensity in parasitic diseases.
• One group was treated with a regimen of 7.5 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of fenbendazole administered daily for five days.

Research Findings and Conclusions

• This treatment plan removed 80% of the migrating S vulgaris larvae, 100% of the migrating S edentatus larvae, and 95% of the mucosal stages of Trichonema spp.
• A nearly 100% elimination of adult stages of large and small strongyles, another type of parasitic worm, was achieved.
• The results suggest that a divided dosage of fenbendazole is very effective in managing strongyle infections in ponies. It can substantially reduce both larval stages and adult worms of various parasitic species, thus improving the health and quality of life of the affected animals.