Difference between revisions of "Strongyles - Donkey"

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==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
 
===Large strongyles===
 
[[Image:Large strongyles donkey.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Large strongyles (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]
 
The common large strongyle species infecting equids are ''Strongylus vulgaris, S.edentatus and S. equinus''. Similar species are observed in horses and donkeys. A new species, ''Strongylus asini'', has been seen in donkeys and other wild equids. ''Triodontophorus spp''., some ''Craterostomum spp''., and ''Oesophagodontus robustus'' are also in this group.
 
* ''S. vulgaris'' are pathogenic due to damage caused by vascular migration
 
* A study in Zimbabwe has shown that the intensities of infection of adults in the large intestine and larvae in the cranial mesenteric artery and its branches were much higher than those recorded in horses (Pandey and Eysker, 1989)
 
* ''S. edentatus'' migrates through the liver and peritoneum, causing associated damage
 
 
Similar pathogenic effects of ''S. vulgaris'' in donkeys to those found in horses have been reported. In donkeys, various lesion types have been recorded. These include minimal arterial lesions, small thrombi and substantial thrombi, the size of a tennis ball, where the arterial wall is greatly thickened, corrugated, gritty and full of larvae. These arterial lesions, which can interfere with the blood supply to major parts of the alimentary tract, may be one of the major contributory factors for the weakness, low productivity and early demise of working donkeys.
 
  
 
===Small strongyles – Cyathostomins===
 
===Small strongyles – Cyathostomins===
 
[[Image:Cyathostomins donkey.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Cyathostomins (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]][[Image:Small strongyles donkey.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Small strongyles (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]
 
[[Image:Cyathostomins donkey.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Cyathostomins (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]][[Image:Small strongyles donkey.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Small strongyles (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]
Cyathostomins were formerly called trichonemes or cyathostomes. Adult worms live in the large intestine and have a non-migratory life cycle. Infections with these nematodes typically include very large populations and numerous species. Over 50 species of cyathostomins have been recorded in horses, donkeys and zebras (Lichtenfels et al, 1998). The species of cyathostomins described in donkeys are similar to those described in horses, but ten species were found to be specific to donkeys and zebras.
+
Cyathostomins were formerly called trichonemes or cyathostomes. Adult worms live in the large intestine and have a non-migratory life cycle. Infections with these nematodes typically involve very large populations and numerous species. Over 50 species of cyathostomins have been recorded in horses, donkeys and zebras (Lichtenfels et al, 1998). The species of cyathostomins described in donkeys are similar to those described in horses, but ten species were found to be specific or more prevalent in donkeys and zebras.
  
Until recently, the more obvious lesions caused by ''Strongylus vulgaris'', as well as the frequent finding of large burdens of cyathostomins in apparently healthy animals, resulted in a perception that cyathostomins were not pathogenic. After a marked decrease in the prevalence of ''S. vulgaris'' in particular, there has been an increasing number of reports of serious
+
After a marked decrease in the prevalence of the large strongyle S. vulgaris following the release of macrocyclic lactones at the end of the last century, there has been an increasing number of reports of serious intestinal diseases attributed to cyathostomins in horses. They are now considered one of the major causes of colic in equines in most regions of the developed world.  
intestinal diseases attributed to cyathostomins in horses. They are now considered one of the major causes of colic in equines in most regions of the developed world.
 
  
 
The main features of this group are as follows:
 
The main features of this group are as follows:
Line 28: Line 18:
 
'''Acute verminous enteritis (larval cyathostomosis)'''
 
'''Acute verminous enteritis (larval cyathostomosis)'''
  
This occurs in late winter or early spring as larvae emerge in large numbers simultaneously.
+
This occurs in late winter or early spring as larvae emerge in large numbers simultaneously otherwise known as ‘mass emergence’.
  
 
==Diagnosis==
 
==Diagnosis==
  
The objective of a worm control programme is to prevent signs of helminthosis, the clinical disease associated with helminths. Diagnosis of helminthosis can be based on:
+
===History===
  
===History===
+
* Known to be grazing contaminated land
 +
* Previous high egg counts or lack of egg output followed by ‘spikes’ in output
 +
* No known parasitology history
 +
* High stocking density
 +
* Poor pasture hygiene
  
* Suggesting poor management and lack of an effective [[Anthelmintic Drugs|anthelmintic]] programme
 
  
 
===Clinical signs===
 
===Clinical signs===
 
[[Image:Small strongyles 2 donkey.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Small strongyles on a petri dish (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]
 
[[Image:Small strongyles 2 donkey.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Small strongyles on a petri dish (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]
* Diarrhoea
+
There is often an absence of clinical signs accompanying low-medium grade cyathostomosis in donkeys and mules, the mechanisms for which are not fully understood. Concurrent illness or donkeys suffering immuno-compromisation may become symptomatic in which case the following clinical signs may be seen:
* Colic
+
* Digestive upset/colic
 
* Ill thrift  
 
* Ill thrift  
 
* Weight loss
 
* Weight loss
  
'''Acute verminous enteritis (larval cyathostomosis)'''
+
'''Acute verminous enteritis (larval cyathostomosis or mass emergence)'''
 
* Initially symptoms of abdominal pain, anorexia and depression are presented and [[Hyperlipaemia - Donkey|hyperlipaemia]] quickly follows
 
* Initially symptoms of abdominal pain, anorexia and depression are presented and [[Hyperlipaemia - Donkey|hyperlipaemia]] quickly follows
 
* Severe inflammation with sub-mucosal oedema and haemorrhage in the caecum and colon may result in severe diarrhoea but, in the donkey, death due to ‘toxic shock’ may occur before diarrhoea develops
 
* Severe inflammation with sub-mucosal oedema and haemorrhage in the caecum and colon may result in severe diarrhoea but, in the donkey, death due to ‘toxic shock’ may occur before diarrhoea develops
Line 58: Line 51:
  
 
===Laboratory tests===
 
===Laboratory tests===
[[Image:Lagre strongyles 2 donkey.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Large strongyles (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]
 
 
* '''Faecal examination''' for eggs or larvae
 
* '''Faecal examination''' for eggs or larvae
Identification of the eggs in the faeces does not, however, indicate the presence of a clinical disease, and only when large numbers of eggs per gram (epg) have been identified can the possibility of clinical disease be considered. Conversely, as the disease may be caused by the larval stages of the parasites (as is the case with cyathostomins), then the epg may be within normal limits whilst resultant disease is present.
+
Identification of eggs in the faeces does not indicate the presence of a clinical disease, and only when large numbers of eggs per gram (epg) have been identified can the possibility of clinical disease be considered. Conversely, as the disease may be caused by the larval stages of the parasites, then the epg may be within normal limits whilst resultant disease is present.
 
* '''Haematology''': red blood cell count, serum protein level
 
* '''Haematology''': red blood cell count, serum protein level
  
Both forms of '''acute verminous enteritis (larval cyathostomosis)''' may be difficult to diagnose ''ante-mortem'' from faeces, as the donkeys affected are often on [[Anthelmintic Drugs|anthelmintics]], which will control egg-shedding by adult worms. The parasite may also still be in its prepatent period. Less than 1% of donkeys at [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ The Donkey Sanctuary] have evidence of encysted larvae at ''post-mortem''.
+
Both forms of '''acute verminous enteritis (larval cyathostomosis)''' may be difficult to diagnose ''ante-mortem'' from faeces, as the donkeys affected are often on [[Anthelmintic Drugs|anthelmintics]], which will control egg-shedding by adult worms. The parasite may also still be in its prepatent period. At ''post-mortem'' the mucosa of the caecum and colon is congested with gross oedema of the sub-mucosa. Ruptured cysts are numerous.
At ''post-mortem'' the mucosa of the caecum and colon is congested with gross oedema of the sub-mucosa. Ruptured cysts are numerous.
 
  
 
==Treatment==
 
==Treatment==
  
[[Anthelmintic Drugs|Anthelmintics]] used prophylactically and to treat acute and chronic worm infections can be categorised into four main groups as shown below.
+
[[Anthelmintic Drugs|Anthelmintics]] should not be used prophylactically. Blanket treatment with anthelmintics over the last few decades has increased cyathostomin resistance to anthelmintics.
  
[[Macrocyclic Lactones|'''Ivermectin''']] can effectively control adult and migrating larvae of large strongyles. As a result, colic due to thrombo-emboli caused by ''S.vulgaris'' in the vasculature of the caecum and ventral colon and damage by other large strongyle larval migration are less common in the UK. The threat from helminths has shifted away from large strongyles to small strongyles, the cyathostomins.
+
[http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ The Donkey Sanctuary] uses drugs from all four classes of dewormer to treat clinical cases of suspected cyathostomosis. It is imperative that faecal worm egg count reduction tests are performed on at least a proportion of each group treated to ensure efficacy of treatment. Supportive treatment for [[Hyperlipaemia - Donkey|hyperlipaemia]] may also be needed, in the form of prednisolone to suppress an inflammatory response and resulting inappetance.
  
In any donkey population treated with [[Macrocyclic Lactones|ivermectin]] it is possible to eradicate large strongyles if it is given on a regular basis for long enough and combined with pasture management. Cyathostomins are more difficult and require secondary measures, as do certain other endoparasites, including [[Threadworm - Donkey|''Strongyloides westeri'']], or [[Ascarids - Donkey|''Parascaris equorum'']] in foals, and tapeworms.
+
Elderly and immuno-compromised animals should be treated with caution, ensuring any supportive treatments necessary are given prophylactically prior to or at the time of deworming. Treatment may need to be delayed in extremely unwell animals and should be given at a time when observation post-treatment is possible.
 
+
[http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ The Donkey Sanctuary] recommends a different faecal sampling and treatment programme for pregnant jennies and youngstock. More details are available on request.
[http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ The Donkey Sanctuary] uses combination of fenbendazole, prednisolone and ivermectin to treat suspected cyathostomosis. Supportive treatment for [[Hyperlipaemia - Donkey#Treatment|hyperlipaemia]] may also be needed.
 
 
 
<big>'''[[Endoparasiticides - Donkey|Anthelmintic drugs used in the donkey]]'''</big>
 
  
 
===Control===
 
===Control===
  
The [[Anthelmintic Drugs|anthelmintic]] control programme which has been operating at [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ The Donkey Sanctuary] for many years now has been devised so that it fulfils the following criteria:  
+
The [[Anthelmintic Drugs|anthelmintic]] control programme operating at [http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ The Donkey Sanctuary] is reviewed regularly to ensure that:  
  
* it is effective in controlling [[Helminths|helminths]]
+
* it is effective in controlling pasture contamination
 
* it reduces the incidence of cyathostomosis
 
* it reduces the incidence of cyathostomosis
 
* it slows down the development of [[Anthelmintic Resistance|resistance to anthelmintics]]  
 
* it slows down the development of [[Anthelmintic Resistance|resistance to anthelmintics]]  
 
* it is cost-effective. The reduced cost of [[Anthelmintic Drugs|anthelmintics]] has offset the increased laboratory costs.
 
* it is cost-effective. The reduced cost of [[Anthelmintic Drugs|anthelmintics]] has offset the increased laboratory costs.
  
At [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ The Donkey Sanctuary] no donkey is given [[Anthelmintic Drugs|anthelmintic]] unless it has a positive egg count above 200 epg. Although this effectively means regularly examining the faeces of all the donkeys, it has several beneficial effects:
+
At [http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ The Donkey Sanctuary] no donkey is given an [[Anthelmintic Drugs|anthelmintic]] unless it is deemed necessary by a clinician taking into account the animal’s history and recent FECs. Clinical cases presenting with cyathostomosis are treated with anthelmintics regardless of faecal egg count results.  
# To reduce handling and stress to the donkey when the whole herd is wormed
+
This programme means regularly examining the faeces of all the donkeys, as opposed to administering treatment to the whole herd. Benefits include:
 +
# To reduce handling and stress to the donkey when the whole herd is dewormed
 
# To reduce exposure of adult worms to repeated doses of [[Anthelmintic Drugs|anthelmintic]] and therefore development of [[Anthelmintic Resistance|resistance]]
 
# To reduce exposure of adult worms to repeated doses of [[Anthelmintic Drugs|anthelmintic]] and therefore development of [[Anthelmintic Resistance|resistance]]
# To help create a ‘refuge’ of susceptible larvae on the pasture to compete with resistant strains
+
# To help create a ‘refugia’ of susceptible larvae on the pasture to compete with resistant strains
 +
# To avoid unnecessary environmental pollution with anthelmintics
 +
# To preserve drugs for the future
  
 
Trawford ''et al'' (2001) showed that [[Macrocyclic Lactones|moxidectin]] suppresses faecal egg output for longer than [[Macrocyclic Lactones|ivermectin]] in the donkey. It was not established whether this is due to the effect against encysted cyathostomin larvae or due to the longer presence and higher  concentration in the blood compared to [[Macrocyclic Lactones|ivermectin]]. The greater effect of [[Macrocyclic Lactones|moxidectin]] against encysted larvae has led to its  preferential use over ivermectin but the worm control programme is under constant review.
 
  
 
It is claimed that 99% of worms occur on the pasture, whereas 1% occur in the horse (Rose et al, 2000). This statement is equally applicable to the donkey and so no worm control programme should depend solely on drugs. It should also include good pasture and stable management:
 
It is claimed that 99% of worms occur on the pasture, whereas 1% occur in the horse (Rose et al, 2000). This statement is equally applicable to the donkey and so no worm control programme should depend solely on drugs. It should also include good pasture and stable management:
* Good stable hygiene
+
* Good pasture hygiene
* Rotational grazing, proper pasture management and harrowing pastures is most important
+
* Rotational grazing, proper pasture management and harrowing pastures (when weather conditions are optimal) is most important
* The use of a ‘biological vacuum’ (sheep<sup>3</sup> ) is still pertinent to ingest larvae on the pasture and is used on [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ the Donkey Sanctuary’s] land both in winter and early spring.
+
* The use of a ‘biological vacuum’ (sheep<sup>3</sup> ) is still pertinent to ingest larvae on the pasture and is used on [http://wwww.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ the Donkey Sanctuary’s] land both in winter and early spring.
* Removal of dung at least twice a week in the summer is carried out mechanically
+
* Removal of dung at least twice a week either manually or mechanically significantly reduces pasture contamination (Corbett et al)
* If donkeys are at pasture in the winter months then faecal sampling may need to be carried out throughout the year
+
* Faecal sampling should be conducted at least four times a year
* Grazing pasture should be rested at least five months of the year (the estimated survival time of cyathostomins)
+
* If donkeys are at pasture in the winter months then faecal sampling may need to be carried out throughout the year depending upon weather conditions
* Managing young stock, which has lower worm larva immunity, on separate pastures from older groups
+
* Grazing pasture should be rested for as much of the year as possible
 +
* Managing young stock, which has lower natural immunity to parasites, on separate pastures from older groups
  
 
<sup>3</sup> The use of sheep may increase the incidence of the stomach worm ''Trichostrongylus axei'', but the pathogenecity of this species in donkeys is rarely a problem.
 
<sup>3</sup> The use of sheep may increase the incidence of the stomach worm ''Trichostrongylus axei'', but the pathogenecity of this species in donkeys is rarely a problem.
  
Application of the above principles can be applied to donkeys in most cases. Owners should always be advised to consult their veterinary surgeon regarding periodicity of faecal sampling/worming with regard to their own specific circumstances.
+
The above principles can be applied to donkeys in most cases. Owners should always be advised to consult their veterinary surgeon regarding periodicity of faecal sampling/worming with regard to their own specific circumstances.
  
Under tropical weather conditions in most developing countries, the dry season is not favourable for the development and survival of the freeliving and parasitic stages and so there is relatively little danger of acquiring infection at this time of year. Generally, animals have a high probability of acquiring infection from pasture during and immediately following wet seasons. Treating donkeys at the beginning and end of the rainy season therefore seems to be sufficient under such climatic conditions. This is usually practised in Ethiopia and other developing countries where the farmers cannot afford frequent treatment for their animals.
+
Under tropical weather conditions in most developing countries, the dry season is not favourable for the development and survival of the free living and parasitic stages and so there is relatively little danger of acquiring infection at this time of year. Generally, animals have a high probability of acquiring infection from pasture during and immediately following wet seasons. Treating donkeys at the beginning and end of the rainy season therefore seems to be sufficient under such climatic conditions. This is usually practised in Ethiopia and other developing countries where the farmers cannot afford frequent treatment for their animals.
  
 
The efficacy of worming strategies in any country should be carefully monitored by laboratory analysis and condition scoring. An epidemiological assessment of weight loss or anaemia should complement any monitoring process to determine the impact of dental disease and/or poor nutrition.
 
The efficacy of worming strategies in any country should be carefully monitored by laboratory analysis and condition scoring. An epidemiological assessment of weight loss or anaemia should complement any monitoring process to determine the impact of dental disease and/or poor nutrition.
 +
 +
==Literature Search==
 +
[[File:CABI logo.jpg|left|90px]]
 +
 +
 +
Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation).
 +
<br><br><br>
 +
[http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=%28title%3A%28strongyl*%29+OR+title%3A%28cyathostom*%29%29+AND+%28od%3A%28donkeys%29+OR+title%3A%28donkey%29+OR+ab%3A%28donkey%29%29 Strongyles in donkeys publications]
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
  
* Trawford, A. and Getachew, M. (2008) Parasites In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) ''The Professional Handbook of the Donkey'', 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 6
 
  
 +
* Christopher J Corbett, Sandy Love, Anna Moore, Faith A. Burden, Jacqui. B. Matthews, Matthew Denwood. January 2014. The effectiveness of faecal removal methods of pasture management to control the cyathostomin burden of donkeys. Parasites and Vectors. 7:48.
 
* Lichtenfels, J.R., Kharchenko, V.A., Krecek, R.C., and Gibbons, L.M. (1998). ‘An annotated checklist by genus and species of 93 species level names for 51 recognised species of small strongyles (Nematoda: Strongyloidea: Cyathostominea) of horses, asses and zebras of the world’. ''Vet. Parasitol''., 79. pp 65-79.
 
* Lichtenfels, J.R., Kharchenko, V.A., Krecek, R.C., and Gibbons, L.M. (1998). ‘An annotated checklist by genus and species of 93 species level names for 51 recognised species of small strongyles (Nematoda: Strongyloidea: Cyathostominea) of horses, asses and zebras of the world’. ''Vet. Parasitol''., 79. pp 65-79.
 
* Pandey, V.S., Eysker, M. (1989). ‘''Strongylus vulgaris'' in donkeys (Equus asinus) from the highveld of Zimbabwe’. ''Vet. Parasitol'. 32. pp 173-179.
 
* Pandey, V.S., Eysker, M. (1989). ‘''Strongylus vulgaris'' in donkeys (Equus asinus) from the highveld of Zimbabwe’. ''Vet. Parasitol'. 32. pp 173-179.
 
* Rose, R.J., Hodgson, D.R. (2000). ''Manual of Equine Practice''. W.B Saunders, Pennsylvania, USA.
 
* Rose, R.J., Hodgson, D.R. (2000). ''Manual of Equine Practice''. W.B Saunders, Pennsylvania, USA.
 
* Trawford, A.F., Morriss, C.J., Bell, N.J., and Reid, S.W.J. (2001). ‘Comparing the Efficacy of Moxidectin with Ivermectin in the Donkey’. Paper presented at: The 18th International Conference of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology. 26-30 August. Stressa, Italy.
 
* Trawford, A.F., Morriss, C.J., Bell, N.J., and Reid, S.W.J. (2001). ‘Comparing the Efficacy of Moxidectin with Ivermectin in the Donkey’. Paper presented at: The 18th International Conference of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology. 26-30 August. Stressa, Italy.
 +
* Trawford, A. and Getachew, M. (2008) Parasites In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) ''The Professional Handbook of the Donkey'', 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 6
  
  

Latest revision as of 12:03, 21 November 2016

Introduction

Small strongyles – Cyathostomins

Cyathostomins (Image courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary)
Small strongyles (Image courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary)

Cyathostomins were formerly called trichonemes or cyathostomes. Adult worms live in the large intestine and have a non-migratory life cycle. Infections with these nematodes typically involve very large populations and numerous species. Over 50 species of cyathostomins have been recorded in horses, donkeys and zebras (Lichtenfels et al, 1998). The species of cyathostomins described in donkeys are similar to those described in horses, but ten species were found to be specific or more prevalent in donkeys and zebras.

After a marked decrease in the prevalence of the large strongyle S. vulgaris following the release of macrocyclic lactones at the end of the last century, there has been an increasing number of reports of serious intestinal diseases attributed to cyathostomins in horses. They are now considered one of the major causes of colic in equines in most regions of the developed world.

The main features of this group are as follows:

  • Adult cyathostomins produce typical strongyle eggs indistinguishable from large strongyle eggs
  • Eggs excreted in faeces hatch in favourable conditions to third stage larvae (L3)
  • L3 larvae are resistant to desiccation and harsh climatic conditions
  • Ingested L3 larvae do not penetrate deep tissues but undergo development in the tissue of the large intestine
  • The larvae are able to go into a dormant or hypobiotic state and encyst in the epithelial cells of the large intestine
  • The encysted larvae are fairly resistant to anthelmintics including ivermectin. Moxidectin (Fort Dodge claims that 80% of encysted developing larvae of small strongyles are eliminated) is effective against some of the developing encysted larvae
  • The mechanism that triggers the larvae to enter or come out of hypobiosis has not yet been fully investigated, but may be associated with the elimination of adults in the gut following anthelmintic treatment

Acute verminous enteritis (larval cyathostomosis)

This occurs in late winter or early spring as larvae emerge in large numbers simultaneously otherwise known as ‘mass emergence’.

Diagnosis

History

  • Known to be grazing contaminated land
  • Previous high egg counts or lack of egg output followed by ‘spikes’ in output
  • No known parasitology history
  • High stocking density
  • Poor pasture hygiene


Clinical signs

Small strongyles on a petri dish (Image courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary)

There is often an absence of clinical signs accompanying low-medium grade cyathostomosis in donkeys and mules, the mechanisms for which are not fully understood. Concurrent illness or donkeys suffering immuno-compromisation may become symptomatic in which case the following clinical signs may be seen:

  • Digestive upset/colic
  • Ill thrift
  • Weight loss

Acute verminous enteritis (larval cyathostomosis or mass emergence)

  • Initially symptoms of abdominal pain, anorexia and depression are presented and hyperlipaemia quickly follows
  • Severe inflammation with sub-mucosal oedema and haemorrhage in the caecum and colon may result in severe diarrhoea but, in the donkey, death due to ‘toxic shock’ may occur before diarrhoea develops


A second form of this larval cyathostomosis has been reported in the horse:

  • Diarrhoea is not a feature
  • Signs of ill thrift and weight loss are seen
  • It occurs in the grazing season
  • The progressive accumulation of hypobiotic larvae causes thickened intestinal mucosa
  • Thickened mucosa leads to poor intestinal absorption of nutrients

Laboratory tests

  • Faecal examination for eggs or larvae

Identification of eggs in the faeces does not indicate the presence of a clinical disease, and only when large numbers of eggs per gram (epg) have been identified can the possibility of clinical disease be considered. Conversely, as the disease may be caused by the larval stages of the parasites, then the epg may be within normal limits whilst resultant disease is present.

  • Haematology: red blood cell count, serum protein level

Both forms of acute verminous enteritis (larval cyathostomosis) may be difficult to diagnose ante-mortem from faeces, as the donkeys affected are often on anthelmintics, which will control egg-shedding by adult worms. The parasite may also still be in its prepatent period. At post-mortem the mucosa of the caecum and colon is congested with gross oedema of the sub-mucosa. Ruptured cysts are numerous.

Treatment

Anthelmintics should not be used prophylactically. Blanket treatment with anthelmintics over the last few decades has increased cyathostomin resistance to anthelmintics.

The Donkey Sanctuary uses drugs from all four classes of dewormer to treat clinical cases of suspected cyathostomosis. It is imperative that faecal worm egg count reduction tests are performed on at least a proportion of each group treated to ensure efficacy of treatment. Supportive treatment for hyperlipaemia may also be needed, in the form of prednisolone to suppress an inflammatory response and resulting inappetance.

Elderly and immuno-compromised animals should be treated with caution, ensuring any supportive treatments necessary are given prophylactically prior to or at the time of deworming. Treatment may need to be delayed in extremely unwell animals and should be given at a time when observation post-treatment is possible. The Donkey Sanctuary recommends a different faecal sampling and treatment programme for pregnant jennies and youngstock. More details are available on request.

Control

The anthelmintic control programme operating at The Donkey Sanctuary is reviewed regularly to ensure that:

  • it is effective in controlling pasture contamination
  • it reduces the incidence of cyathostomosis
  • it slows down the development of resistance to anthelmintics
  • it is cost-effective. The reduced cost of anthelmintics has offset the increased laboratory costs.

At The Donkey Sanctuary no donkey is given an anthelmintic unless it is deemed necessary by a clinician taking into account the animal’s history and recent FECs. Clinical cases presenting with cyathostomosis are treated with anthelmintics regardless of faecal egg count results. This programme means regularly examining the faeces of all the donkeys, as opposed to administering treatment to the whole herd. Benefits include:

  1. To reduce handling and stress to the donkey when the whole herd is dewormed
  2. To reduce exposure of adult worms to repeated doses of anthelmintic and therefore development of resistance
  3. To help create a ‘refugia’ of susceptible larvae on the pasture to compete with resistant strains
  4. To avoid unnecessary environmental pollution with anthelmintics
  5. To preserve drugs for the future


It is claimed that 99% of worms occur on the pasture, whereas 1% occur in the horse (Rose et al, 2000). This statement is equally applicable to the donkey and so no worm control programme should depend solely on drugs. It should also include good pasture and stable management:

  • Good pasture hygiene
  • Rotational grazing, proper pasture management and harrowing pastures (when weather conditions are optimal) is most important
  • The use of a ‘biological vacuum’ (sheep3 ) is still pertinent to ingest larvae on the pasture and is used on the Donkey Sanctuary’s land both in winter and early spring.
  • Removal of dung at least twice a week either manually or mechanically significantly reduces pasture contamination (Corbett et al)
  • Faecal sampling should be conducted at least four times a year
  • If donkeys are at pasture in the winter months then faecal sampling may need to be carried out throughout the year depending upon weather conditions
  • Grazing pasture should be rested for as much of the year as possible
  • Managing young stock, which has lower natural immunity to parasites, on separate pastures from older groups

3 The use of sheep may increase the incidence of the stomach worm Trichostrongylus axei, but the pathogenecity of this species in donkeys is rarely a problem.

The above principles can be applied to donkeys in most cases. Owners should always be advised to consult their veterinary surgeon regarding periodicity of faecal sampling/worming with regard to their own specific circumstances.

Under tropical weather conditions in most developing countries, the dry season is not favourable for the development and survival of the free living and parasitic stages and so there is relatively little danger of acquiring infection at this time of year. Generally, animals have a high probability of acquiring infection from pasture during and immediately following wet seasons. Treating donkeys at the beginning and end of the rainy season therefore seems to be sufficient under such climatic conditions. This is usually practised in Ethiopia and other developing countries where the farmers cannot afford frequent treatment for their animals.

The efficacy of worming strategies in any country should be carefully monitored by laboratory analysis and condition scoring. An epidemiological assessment of weight loss or anaemia should complement any monitoring process to determine the impact of dental disease and/or poor nutrition.

Literature Search

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Strongyles in donkeys publications

References

  • Christopher J Corbett, Sandy Love, Anna Moore, Faith A. Burden, Jacqui. B. Matthews, Matthew Denwood. January 2014. The effectiveness of faecal removal methods of pasture management to control the cyathostomin burden of donkeys. Parasites and Vectors. 7:48.
  • Lichtenfels, J.R., Kharchenko, V.A., Krecek, R.C., and Gibbons, L.M. (1998). ‘An annotated checklist by genus and species of 93 species level names for 51 recognised species of small strongyles (Nematoda: Strongyloidea: Cyathostominea) of horses, asses and zebras of the world’. Vet. Parasitol., 79. pp 65-79.
  • Pandey, V.S., Eysker, M. (1989). ‘Strongylus vulgaris in donkeys (Equus asinus) from the highveld of Zimbabwe’. Vet. Parasitol'. 32. pp 173-179.
  • Rose, R.J., Hodgson, D.R. (2000). Manual of Equine Practice. W.B Saunders, Pennsylvania, USA.
  • Trawford, A.F., Morriss, C.J., Bell, N.J., and Reid, S.W.J. (2001). ‘Comparing the Efficacy of Moxidectin with Ivermectin in the Donkey’. Paper presented at: The 18th International Conference of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology. 26-30 August. Stressa, Italy.
  • Trawford, A. and Getachew, M. (2008) Parasites In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) The Professional Handbook of the Donkey, 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 6


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