approach to eq gi parasites

Parasite

Clinical signs

Located

Diagnosis

Treatment

Roundworms

·    Parascaris equorum

·    Cough, nasal discharge

·    D+ in neonates

·    Poor coat

·    Ill thrift

·    Colic in large numbers (cause obstruction)

SI

ELISA for antibodies

·    Pyrantel

·    Fenbendazole

·    Resistant to ivermectin

Large strongyles

·    Strongylus vulgaris

·    Strongylus endentatus

·    strongylus equinus

(small, red or white)

·    D+ in neonates

·    SIRS, PLE

·    Ill thrift

·    Damage to blood vessel walls ® haemorrhage

·    Anaemia

LI

Faecal float for adult eggs

·    Benzomidazoles

·    Ivermectin

Small strongyles

·    Cyathostomiasis

( v small, red or white)

·    Acute/chronic D+ in adult horses

·    Colic signs

LI

History and CS

Larvae in faeces

Rule out other causes

·    Moxidectin

·    Prevent with pyrantel

Tapeworm

·    Anaplocephala magna

·    Anaplocephala perfoliate

·    Ill thrift

·    Colic signs

SI

·    Praziquantel

·    Pyrantel 2x dose

Pinworm

·    Oxyuris equi

·    Pruritic perineal region

Rectum

Acetate strip and microscopy

·    Anal application paste

·    Resistant to ivermectin

Prevention

·    Pasture management:

o  Collect faeces minimum 2x weekly

o  Separate muck heap from grazing area

o  Pasture rotation

·    Prophylactic treatment:

o  FWEC every 8-12w – treat if >250epg – ivermectin or pyrantel

§ Repeat FWEC in 14d to test efficacy

o  Treat any new arrivals and keep in for 3d

o  FWEC young horses every 4w

o  Treat based on risk:

§ Low risk = no treatment

§ Moderate/high risk = moxidectin/ivermectin in autumn

o  Tapeworm ELISA in spring – treat with praziquantel/2x pyrantel if high ab titre