Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Gastrointestinal impaction by Parascaris equorum in a Thoroughbred foal in Jeju, Korea.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary science
- Year:
- 2004
- Authors:
- Ryu, Seung-ho et al.
- Affiliation:
- Equine Hospital · South Korea
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A young Thoroughbred foal was taken to a veterinary hospital in Korea because it was showing signs of colic, which is a type of abdominal pain. When the foal arrived, it was sweating a lot, seemed anxious, and was in distress. The vet found that the foal had a fast heartbeat and breathing, and there were no normal sounds from its intestines. A physical exam revealed blockages in the cecum and large colon, and treatment included fluids, pain relief, and a procedure to remove fluid from the stomach, which showed the presence of roundworms. Unfortunately, this treatment did not help, and the foal died shortly after leaving the hospital because the owner chose not to proceed with surgery due to cost concerns. The case highlights the need for regular deworming to prevent such serious issues.
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: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15192347/