obsolete Strongylus equinus infectious disease

Strongylus Equinus Infectious Disease: An Obsolete Condition

The Strongylus equinus infectious disease, also known as the "ripped toothed strongyle" infection, is an obsolete condition that was once prevalent in horses. This parasitic disease was caused by the large strongyle parasite, Strongylus equinus.

Characteristics of the Disease

• The disease was characterized by the migration of the parasite through the liver during larval development.
• Clinical disease with this parasite was rare, and it did not cause significant permanent liver damage.
• However, if present in high enough levels in the gut, they can cause lethargy, weight loss, and debilitation.

Life Cycle of the Parasite

• The life cycle of Strongylus equinus involves ingestion of infective third-stage larvae (L3) by horses.
• After ingestion, the L3 migrate through the liver during larval development.
• This migration can cause little permanent liver damage.

Comparison with Other Large Strongyles

• Strongylus vulgaris and S. edentatus are other large strongyle species that were once considered to be part of this disease complex.
• However, they have distinct characteristics and life cycles compared to Strongylus equinus.

Current Status

• The Strongylus equinus infectious disease is now considered an obsolete condition due to advances in anthelmintic therapy and changes in parasite populations.
• This disease is no longer a significant concern for horse health, and other parasitic diseases have taken its place as major health threats.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Obsolete Strongylus equinus Infection

Strongylus equinus, a type of large strongyle parasite, was once considered a significant threat to horse health. Although it is now relatively rare, understanding its clinical signs and symptoms can provide valuable insights into the disease.

• Incidental Findings: In many cases, S. equinus larvae are found incidentally during surgery or post-mortem examinations, indicating that the parasite rarely causes significant clinical signs in horses [1].
• Severe Cases: When significant disease does occur, it is usually associated with larval parasites in unusual locations. Severe cases can lead to intestinal infarction, a condition where blood flow to the intestine is impeded, causing death of intestinal tissue [2].
• Clinical Signs: Symptoms of intestinal infarction include fever, complete or partial absence of stomach noises, pale mucous membranes, and signs of severe colic. In some cases, this condition can be fatal [2].

Other Clinical Signs

While S. equinus infection is relatively rare, it's essential to note that other large strongyles, such as Strongylus vulgaris and Strongylus edentatus, can cause similar clinical signs.

• Weight Loss: Weight loss and poor growth are common nonspecific signs of strongylosis [7][8].
• Colic: Colic is a significant clinical sign associated with strongyle infections, including S. equinus [9][10].
• Diarrhea: Diarrhea and anemia can also be symptoms of strongylosis [6].

Conclusion

While Strongylus equinus infection is now relatively rare, understanding its clinical signs and symptoms can provide valuable insights into the disease. It's essential to note that other large strongyles can cause similar clinical signs, making it crucial to consider a range of parasites when diagnosing gastrointestinal issues in horses.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [7] Context result 7 [8] Context result 8 [9] Context result 9 [10] Context result 10

Treatment Options for Obsolete Strongylus equinus Infections

Strongylus equinus, also known as the large strongyle, is a significant internal parasite that affects horses worldwide. While it's considered an obsolete infection due to widespread use of anthelmintics, it still poses a threat to equine health.

Historical Treatment Options

In the past, treatment for Strongylus equinus infections involved various drugs, including:

• Pyrantel pamoate: This was one of the first anthelmintics used to treat strongyle infestations in horses. However, its efficacy against S. equinus is limited [7].
• Fenbendazole: This benzimidazole-based anthelmintic has been used to control small and large strongyle infestations, including those caused by S. equinus [8]. However, resistance to this drug has been reported in some regions.
• Oxibendazole: Another benzimidazole-based anthelmintic, oxibendazole has been used to treat adult worms of S. equinus [7].
• Moxidectin: This avermectin-based anthelmintic has been shown to be effective against larval stages of S. equinus [9].

Current Treatment Guidelines

While these drugs were once considered effective, current treatment guidelines recommend using ivermectin and moxidectin to target larval stages of strongyles, including S. equinus [7]. For adult worms, oxibendazole, fenbendazole, or pyrantel pamoate may be used.

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that the efficacy of these treatment options can vary depending on factors such as parasite resistance, geographic location, and individual horse health. Regular monitoring and follow-up treatments may be necessary to ensure complete elimination of S. equinus infections.

References:

[7] Context 7 [8] Context 8 [9] Context 9

Differential Diagnosis of Obsolete Strongylus equinus Infectious Disease

Strongylus equinus, a large strongyle species, was once considered an important internal parasite in horses. However, its significance has decreased with the advancement of anthelmintic treatments and management practices [8][9]. Despite this, it is still essential to consider differential diagnoses for Strongylus equinus infections, especially when dealing with clinical cases.

Similarities with Other Diseases

The symptoms and pathogenesis of Strongylus equinus infections share similarities with other diseases affecting horses. Some of these include:

• Lawsonia intracellularis: This bacterium causes equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE), a disease that presents similarly to strongylosis, including diarrhea, weight loss, and colic [7].
• Cyathostomin infections: These small strongyles can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms in horses, making them a differential diagnosis for Strongylus equinus infections [12].

Key Differences

While the above-mentioned diseases share similarities with Strongylus equinus infections, there are key differences that can aid in differential diagnosis:

• Geographic distribution: Strongylus equinus is more commonly found in certain regions and climates, whereas Lawsonia intracellularis and Cyathostomin infections have a broader geographic range [10].
• Clinical presentation: The clinical signs of strongylosis, such as colic, diarrhea, and weight loss, can be similar to those caused by other diseases. However, the presence of verminous arteritis, a hallmark of Strongylus equinus infections, can aid in diagnosis [9].

Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and management of infectious diseases in horses. In cases where Strongylus equinus is suspected, it is essential to consider differential diagnoses and perform thorough diagnostic workups to rule out other conditions.

References:

[7] Equine proliferative enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis: a review. [8] Phylum: Nematoda Class: Rhabditia Order: Strongylida Superfamily: Strongyloidea Family: Strongylidae. [9] Large strongyles like Strongylus vulgaris, S. edentates and S. equinus are generally recognized as the most important and pathogenic internal parasites in horses. [10] Epidemiology of intestinal nematodes in horses. [12] Cyathostomin infections in horses: a review.