Author, Donkey
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Tapeworms have been incriminated as a cause of intestinal intussusceptions, caecal perforation leading to peritonitis, intestinal obstruction and colic. The severity and depth of ulcerative lesions of the mucosa increase as the number of tapeworms attached in the area increases (Williamson ''et al'', 1997). Although the pathogenic effect of tapeworm infection in donkeys has not been studied experimentally, similar lesions, particularly ulcerations of the ileocaecal junction, have been observed in donkeys.
Tapeworms have been incriminated as a cause of intestinal intussusceptions, caecal perforation leading to peritonitis, intestinal obstruction and colic. The severity and depth of ulcerative lesions of the mucosa increase as the number of tapeworms attached in the area increases (Williamson ''et al'', 1997). Although the pathogenic effect of tapeworm infection in donkeys has not been studied experimentally, similar lesions, particularly ulcerations of the ileocaecal junction, have been observed in donkeys.
At [http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ The Donkey Sanctuary] 3% of donkeys admitted have evidence of tapeworm infection on faecal examination. Post-mortem evidence suggests an even lower incidence. The low incidence may be due to the poor habitat for oribatid mites (the intermediate host for Anoplocephala) on its farms. On the other hand, a study made in Ethiopia has shown a high prevalence of anoplocephalosis in donkeys, particularly in highland areas where permanent pasture management is often practised (Getachew ''et al'', 2006).
Clinical signs are well documented in horses and range from weight loss, lack of energy and anaemia, to severe GI disturbances in cases of heavy infestation. The site of attachment can often become ulcerated or infected and re-occurrence of colic is common.
Clinical signs in donkeys are less well understood, as the incidence rate appears to be lower and few clinical cases are seen.
===Laboratory tests===
===Laboratory tests===
'''Serological diagnosis''' with [[ELISA testing|enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)]] using excretory/secretory (E/S) antigens has been developed to detect the antibody in serum (Proudman and Trees, 1996).
'''Serological diagnosis''' with [[ELISA testing|enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)]] using excretory/secretory (E/S) antigens has been developed to detect the antibody in serum (Proudman and Trees, 1996).
==Treatment==
==Treatment==