The efficacy of ivermectin against Strongyloides westeri in foals.

This research study investigated the use of ivermectin in horses, specifically foals, to treat infections caused by the parasite Strongyloides westeri. The study found that administrating ivermectin significantly reduced the parasite’s egg output in these sour young horses with no observed adverse effects.

Study Overview

• The study was conducted with fourteen foals that were naturally infected with the parasite Strongyloides westeri. This parasite typically infects young horses and is not typically found in mature ones. It causes digestive issues amongst other health problems.
• Seven of these foals were treated with the medicine ivermectin, a well-known anti-parasitic drug widely used in veterinary medicine, while the rest were left untreated and served as the control group.

Methodology and Dosage

• The foals were injected intramuscularly with ivermectin at a dosage rate of 200mcg per kg of their body weight. The dosage of the drug is crucial as too little might not eliminate the parasite, and too much may cause side effects and adverse reactions.
• Intramuscular injection was the chosen method of administration, which directly delivers the drug into a muscle. This is considered to be a fast and effective way to administer medications.

Results

• The researchers monitored the foals for 21 days following their treatment, during which they tested their faecal samples on a weekly basis for traces of S. westeri eggs.
• They found that treatment with ivermectin resulted in more than a 99% reduction in the output of S. westeri eggs compared to the untreated foals.
• Notably, there were no adverse effects observed in the treated foals, suggesting that the treatment was safe.

Implications

• The study suggests that ivermectin is highly effective in treating Strongyloides westeri infection in foals. This finding could help improve the health and well-being of foals, an important consideration for horse breeders and veterinarians.
• Further long-term studies might be needed to monitor any delayed adverse effects and observe if the treatment prevents reinfection. Nevertheless, this study provides encouraging initial results regarding the use of ivermectin for dealing with Strongyloides westeri infections in foals.