Ascarid Impaction

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