Equine Parascariosis Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is the scientific name of the roundworm affecting horses?
Parascaris equorum
Also affects zebras.
What is the size range of male Parascaris equorum?
15-28 cm in length.
What is the size range of female Parascaris equorum?
18-50 cm in length.
Describe the morphology of Parascaris equorum’s mouth.
Mouth has three lips (ascarid) divided into two parts by a groove.
What type of egg does Parascaris equorum produce?
Medium, spherical, 3 thick shells, rough surface, unembryonated, dark brown.
What type of life cycle does Parascaris equorum have?
Direct life cycle.
How long can eggs of Parascaris equorum remain infective after being passed in feces?
Infective for 10 days in 25-35 degrees.
What occurs after the horse ingests the egg of Parascaris equorum?
The egg hatches and larvae penetrate the small intestine wall.
Where do the larvae of Parascaris equorum migrate after penetrating the small intestine?
To the liver through the hepatic portal system.
How long does it take for the larvae to migrate to the lungs?
14 days via heart and pulmonary arteries.
What happens to L3 larvae in the alveoli?
They migrate up the trachea and pharynx, are coughed up, and swallowed.
What is the prepatent period for Parascaris equorum?
12-16 weeks.
What pathogenesis does Parascaris equorum cause in the liver?
Milk spots on liver and lymphocytic nodules under pleura.
Dying larvae and lymphocytes in fibrous capsules
Low levels of serum albumin
What clinical signs are associated with Parascaris equorum infection?
- Gut impaction & ruptures –> fatal peritonitis
- Coughing
- Nasal discharges: greyish-white
- frothy mucous in upper respiratory tract
- Reduction of feed intake
- Poor weight gain
Which age group of horses is mainly affected by Parascaris equorum?
Nursing and weaned foals less than a year old.
How many eggs can a single Parascaris equorum pass daily?
Can pass millions of eggs daily.
What treatment is effective against Parascaris equorum?
Benzimidazoles; resistant to ivermectin.
What are suitable control measures for Parascaris equorum?
Regular cleaning, weekly feces removal, strategic treatment.
foals treated when they are 8 weeks old
At what age should foals be treated for Parascaris equorum?
When foal is 8 weeks.
What diagnostic methods are used for Parascaris equorum?
Clinical signs and coprological examination.
