title: Gastrointestinal impaction by Parascaris equorum in a Thoroughbred foal in Jeju, Korea.
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.
authors.affiliation: Equine Hospital, Korea Racing Association, Bukjejugun, Jeju 695-900, Korea.
authors.forename: Seung-ho
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Ryu
authors.forename: Jong-duck
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Jang
authors.forename: Ung-bok
authors.initials: UB
authors.lastname: Bak
authors.forename: Chang- woo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Hee-jeong
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Youn
authors.forename: Yonghoon Lyon
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017191:Ascaridida Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D001199:Ascaridoidea / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005244:Fecal Impaction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology*; D006736:Horses; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D007723:Korea