| 1. |
- Hedberg Alm, Ylva, et al.
(författare)
-
Clinical features and treatment response to differentiate idiopathic peritonitis from non-strangulating intestinal infarction of the pelvic flexure associated with Strongylus vulgaris infection in the horse
- 2022
-
Ingår i: BMC Veterinary Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1746-6148. ; 18
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Peritonitis in horses secondary to non-strangulating infarction (NSII) has a guarded prognosis, even after intestinal resection. In contrast, horses with idiopathic peritonitis respond well to medical treatment. Affected horses in both cases often show signs of both colic and systemic inflammation, but early diagnosis is crucial for optimal treatment and an accurate prognosis. One cause of NSII is thrombus formation secondary to Strongylus vulgaris larval migration. There has been a documented increase in S. vulgaris prevalence in Sweden since the implementation of selective anthelmintic treatment in 2007, which subsequently could result in a rise in NSII cases. In a retrospective clinical study, medical records from cases diagnosed with NSII of the pelvic flexure or idiopathic peritonitis from three equine referral hospitals in Sweden during 2017-2020 were reviewed. Information including demographic data, relevant medical history, and clinical- and laboratory parameters were obtained from patient records. To facilitate the differentiation between cases of idiopathic peritonitis and cases with confirmed NSII of the pelvic flexure, the aim of the study was to compare clinical and laboratory parameters, clinical progression and initial response to antimicrobial treatment. A secondary aim was to compare survival-rates. Results Horses with NSII (n = 20) were significantly more likely to present during the winter months with a poorer response to medical treatment within 48 h. Cases of idiopathic peritonitis (n = 107) had a 100% survival rate with medical treatment, although one case required surgical correction of a colon displacement. In comparison, all confirmed NSII cases were non-responsive to antimicrobial treatment, with a survival rate to discharge of 50% after colon resection. Specific rectal findings and peripheral blood neutropenia were strongly associated with NSII. Conclusions In Sweden, idiopathic peritonitis cases still predominate over S. vulgaris associated NSII cases and have an excellent survival rate with antimicrobial treatment. However, horses presenting with septic peritonitis during the winter months with a palpable rectal mass and displaying fever and colic signs beyond 48 h of medical treatment are likely to suffer from NSII of the pelvic flexure and should be considered for abdominal surgery.
|
|
| 2. |
- Hedberg Alm, Ylva, et al.
(författare)
-
Demonstration of reduced efficacy against cyathostomins without change in species composition after pyrantel embonate treatment in Swedish equine establishments
- 2023
-
Ingår i: International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance. - 2211-3207. ; 23, s. 78-86
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Consisting of approximately 50 different species, the cyathostomin parasites are ubiquitous in grazing horses. Coinfection with several species is common, and large burdens can cause the fatal disease of larval cyathostominosis. Due to intense anthelmintic drug use, cyathostomin resistance has developed to all available anthelmintic drug groups. Resistance to the anthelmintic drug pyrantel (PYR) has been documented in over 90% of studies published over the past two decades. In Sweden, a study performed in the early 2000s only confirmed resistance in 4.5% of farms. Further, prescription-only administration of equine anthelmintic drugs was enforced in Sweden in 2007. However, it is unknown if this conservative drug use has maintained PYR efficacy in cyathostomins. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of PYR on cyathostomin infection in Sweden using fecal egg count reduction tests (FECRTs). Further, the effect of PYR treatment on cyathostomin species composition was studied using metabarcoding. Sixteen farms with at least six horses excreting a minimum of 100 eggs per gram feces were included. Using the current World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP) guidelines, PYR resistance was demonstrated in nine of farms, with seven farms showing full susceptibility. Farms with low biosecurity measures had significantly lower efficacy of PYR treatment. The most common cyathostomin species were Cylicocyclus nassatus, Cyathostomum catinatum, Cylicostephanus longibursatus, Cys. calicatus, Cys. goldi, Cys. minutus, Coronocyclus coronatus and Cya. pateratum, accounting for 97% of all sequence reads prior to treatment. Of these, Cyc. nassatus and Cya. catinatum had the highest occurrence, accounting for 68% of all sequence reads prior to PYR treatment. Treatment did not significantly affect the species composition. The results highlight the importance of drug efficacy testing when using PYR to treat cyathostomin infection, even when selective anthelmintic treatment and thus low treatment intensity, is used on the farm.
|
|
| 3. |
- Hedberg Alm, Ylva, et al.
(författare)
-
Evaluation of Strategies to Reduce Equine Strongyle Infective Larvae on Pasture and Study of Larval Migration and Overwintering in a Nordic Climate
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Animals. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-2615. ; 12
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Simple Summary All grazing horses are exposed to parasites that when ingested have the potential to cause disease. Drugs designed to kill parasites in horses have been used extensively since the 1960s, but this intensive use has led to the development of drug resistance, emphasising the need for more sustainable methods to lessen parasite burdens. The efficacy and suitability of pasture-management methods aiming to reduce the level of parasitic larvae in the herbage are, however, dependent on the prevailing weather conditions. The aim of the present study was therefore to generate data on the effect of regular faecal removal and harrowing of the pasture on reducing the number of parasites in herbage in a Nordic climate. Furthermore, the ability of parasite larvae to migrate from faeces to the herbage and to survive the winter season in Sweden's cold temperate climate was investigated. Twice-weekly faecal removal significantly reduced the number of larvae on the pasture, whereas harrowing on a single occasion in the summer under dry weather conditions did not. Parasite larvae migrated as far as 150 cm from faecal pats and were able to survive one winter season, with two years of rest from grazing horses required to achieve parasite-free pasture. Horses, as grazing animals, are inadvertently exposed to intestinal parasites that, if not controlled, may cause disease. However, the indiscriminate use of anthelmintic drugs has led to drug resistance, highlighting the need for pasture-management practices to reduce the level of parasitic exposure and lessen reliance on drugs. The efficacy of such methods depends both on the epidemiology of the parasites and the prevailing weather conditions. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of faecal removal and harrowing on reducing the number of parasite larvae in herbage. Moreover, the migratory and survival ability of strongyle larvae in a Nordic climate was studied. Faeces from horses naturally infected with strongyle nematodes were used to contaminate pastures and grass samples were collected to harvest larvae. Twice-weekly faecal removal significantly reduced larval yields, whereas harrowing on a single occasion under dry weather conditions in the summer did not. Strongyle larvae were able to migrate 150 cm from the faecal pats, but most larvae were found within 50 cm. Both Cyathostominae and S. vulgaris survived the winter months with larvae harvested up to 17-18 months after faecal placement. Resting of pastures for one year greatly reduced the parasite level, but two years of rest were required for parasite-free pasture.
|
|
| 4. |
- Hedberg Alm, Ylva, et al.
(författare)
-
Idiopathic peritonitis in horses: a retrospective study of 130 cases in Sweden (2002-2017)
- 2019
-
Ingår i: Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-605X .- 1751-0147. ; 61
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundPeritonitis in horses is historically associated with prolonged treatment regimens of broad-spectrum antimicrobials and a guarded prognosis for survival. The condition is most often seen as a secondary complication to traumatic injuries involving the abdominal cavity, rupture of bowel or abdominal surgery. However, cases of idiopathic peritonitis with no such underlying cause have been described. In Sweden idiopathic peritonitis is commonly identified and, in contrast to peritonitis secondary to traumatic incidents, affected horses appear to respond well to medical treatment. The objectives of this study were to describe clinical signs, laboratory findings, bacterial culture results, treatment regimens and survival rates for horses diagnosed with idiopathic peritonitis.ResultsMedical records were obtained from horses diagnosed with peritonitis without identifiable cause. Diagnosis was based on macroscopically abnormal peritoneal fluid, with an elevated nucleated cell count (>10x10(9)cells/L) or total protein (>25g/L). A total of 130 horses were included, presenting with pyrexia (83%), lethargy (80%), anorexia (68%) and abdominal pain (51%). Microbial cultures were performed in 84% of the cases of which 41% were positive. The most commonly recovered bacteria were Actinobacillus spp., cultured from 21% of the submitted samples. All horses received antimicrobial therapy and many responded to treatment with penicillin alone. Survival until discharge was 94%.ConclusionsIdiopathic peritonitis is a disease that should be considered in horses presented with fever, signs of colic and lethargy. Medical treatment of idiopathic peritonitis is often successful and in Sweden most cases appear to respond well to treatment with penicillin as the sole antimicrobial.
|
|
| 5. |
- Hedberg Alm, Ylva, et al.
(författare)
-
Parasite Occurrence and Parasite Management in Swedish Horses Presenting with Gastrointestinal Disease-A Case-Control Study
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Animals. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-2615. ; 10
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Simple Summary Abdominal pain, colic, is a common clinical sign in horses, sometimes reflecting life-threatening disease. One cause of colic is parasitic infection of the gut. Various drugs, anthelmintics, can be used to reduce or eliminate such parasites. However, frequent use has led to problems of drug resistance, whereby many countries now allow anthelmintics to be used on a prescription-only basis. In Sweden, this has led to a concern that parasitic-related colic in horses is increasing. This study aimed to investigate whether horses with colic differed in parasitological status compared to horses without colic. A secondary aim was to collect information regarding current parasite control measures used by horse owners. Exposure to S. vulgaris, a parasite with the potential to cause life-threatening disease, appeared high as determined by the presence of antibodies in the blood. Horses with inflammation in the abdominal cavity had higher antibody levels than other causes of colic. Despite new legislation, 29% of owners did not use fecal analyses for parasites and the use of extended methods to diagnose specific parasites was low. Also, owners rarely used alternative methods to reduce the pasture parasite burden. The study suggests a need for education in the use of both fecal analyses and pasture management.Abstract All grazing horses are exposed to intestinal parasites, which have the potential to cause gastrointestinal disease. In Sweden, there is a concern about an increase in parasite-related equine gastrointestinal disease, in particular Strongylus vulgaris, since the implementation of prescription-only anthelmintics approximately 10 years ago. In a prospective case-control study, parasitological status, using fecal analyses for strongyle egg counts, the presence of Anoplocephala perfoliata eggs and S. vulgaris Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as well as serology for S. vulgaris, were compared between horses presenting with or without gastrointestinal disease at a University hospital during a one-year period. Information regarding anthelmintic routines and pasture management was gathered with an owner-filled questionnaire. Although the prevalence of S. vulgaris PCR was 5.5%, 62% of horses were positive in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test and horses with peritonitis showed higher antibody levels for S. vulgaris, as compared to other diagnoses or controls. Overall, 36% of the horse owners used only fecal egg counts (FEC), 32% used FEC combined with specific diagnostics for S. vulgaris or A. perfoliata, and 29% dewormed routinely without prior parasite diagnostics. Effective management methods to reduce the parasitic burden on pastures were rare and considering exposure to S. vulgaris appears high; the study indicates a need for education in specific fecal diagnostics and pasture management.
|
|
| 6. |
- Hedberg Alm, Ylva, et al.
(författare)
-
Steroid hormone receptors ER alpha and PR characterised by immunohistochemistry in the mare adrenal gland
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-605X .- 1751-0147. ; 51, s. 1-9
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Conclusion: The present results show the presence of ERalpha in the adrenal cortex, indicating oestradiol may have a direct effect on mare adrenal function. However, further studies are needed to confirm the presence of PR as staining in the present study was only weak and/or minor. Also, any possible effect of oestradiol treatment on the levels of steroid receptors cannot be determined by the present study, as treatment time was of a too short duration.
|
|
| 7. |
- Tyden, Eva, et al.
(författare)
-
Health Risks of Growing Horses Related 6 to Exercise and Parasite Control
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Feeding and Management of Foals and Growing Horses. - 9783031352706 ; , s. 97-123
-
Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this chapter, health issues related to exercise and parasite control in growing horses are discussed. Concerning problems associated with bone health, the importance of exercise is highlighted, and many of the problems can be avoided by providing a balanced diet and ensuring that the skeletal system is trained properly. Proper nutrition is vital for a healthy skeleton only if the sufficient and right type of exercise is accompanying it. The best opportunity to make the skeleton strong is to provide it with proper stimuli through exercise when a horse is young and growing. Due to their high susceptibility to parasitic disease, anthelmintic treatment in growing horses is advisable without prior diagnostics. For example, any move to a new group, e.g. after weaning, should be performed only after anthelmintic treatment. In foals and young horses, in addition to strategic anthelmintic treatment, management practices aiming to reduce parasite burdens on pastures are especially prudent. Faecal removal twice weekly has been shown to be more effective than anthelmintic treatment. It is advisable to practice faecal removal from any paddocks in use, as long as temperatures are above freezing.
|
|
