Ascarid Impaction
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This article is still under construction. |
Signalment
Foals younger than 6 months on a poor worming schedule and with a heavy parasite burden. Recent history of being wormed with a product that causes sudden ascarid death.
Aetiology
Parascaris equorum
Clinical Signs
- Acute onset colic after administration of anthelmintic (onset varies with degree of obstruction (37))
- Signs compatible with small intestinal obtruction
- Nasogastric reflux (occasionally dead parasites are seen in reflux)
Diagnosis
- History
- Clinical signs referable to smal intestinal obstruction
- Abdominal imaging (radiography and ultrasonography) may demonstrate multiple loops of distended small intestine, but imagin is not required if the clinical presentation indicates immediate surgery.
Treatment
- Medical treatment: immediate treatment of hypovolaemic shock resulting from sequestration of fluid in small intestine
- Surgical treatment: enterotomy made over the intraluminal impaction and removal of ascarids