Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Foal with colic due to intestinal blockage from ascarids
By Ryu, Seung-ho et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary science·2004·Equine Hospital, South Korea·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Gastrointestinal impaction by Parascaris equorum in a Thoroughbred foal in Jeju, Korea.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A weanling Thoroughbred foal was brought to the hospital showing signs of colic, including sweating, anxiety, and abdominal pain. The vet found that the foal had severe impactions in the cecum and large colon caused by a type of roundworm called Parascaris equorum. Despite treatment with fluids and pain relief, the foal did not improve and sadly died a few hours later because the owner declined surgery due to cost concerns. A necropsy revealed a large buildup of these worms in the foal's digestive system, highlighting the need for regular deworming to prevent such issues.
People also search for: foal colic symptoms · roundworm treatment in horses · why is my foal sweating and anxious
Abstract
A weanling Thoroughbred foal was admitted to Equine Hospital, Korea Racing Association with signs of colic. On admission the foal was sweating profusely, appeared anxious and exhibiting signs suggestive of abdominal pain. Clinical examination revealed: tachycardia (90 beats/min), tachypnea (50 breaths/min) and congested and slightly cyanotic mucous membranes. No intestinal sounds were auscultated in all 4 abdominal quadrants. Rectal palpation identified concurrent cecum and large colon impactions. Treatment consisted of intravenous administration of a balanced electrolyte solution, nasogastric siphonage and administration of analgesics. Nasogastric reflux contained ascarids. This treatment failed to alleviate the signs of colic. The foal died 3 hours later following discharge because the owner didn't want laparatomy because of economic constraints. Prior to admission this foal had not received any prophylactic anthelmintic treatment. In necropsy, there were masses of ascarids accumulation in the stomach, small intestine and large intestine. The outcome of this report is to describe the first diagnosed case of gastrointestinal impaction by P. equorum in a Thoroughbred foal in South Korea and indicates the importance of regular anthelmintic treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15192347/