Larval cyathostominosis: Clinicopathological data and treatment outcomes of 38 hospitalised horses (2009–2020)



Lawson, AL ORCID: 0000-0002-7948-3652, Malalana, F ORCID: 0000-0002-5773-9725 and Mair, TS ORCID: 0000-0002-9744-9909
(2023) Larval cyathostominosis: Clinicopathological data and treatment outcomes of 38 hospitalised horses (2009–2020) Equine Veterinary Education, 35 (8). pp. 424-435. ISSN 0957-7734, 2042-3292

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Abstract

Background: There is limited evidence regarding the treatment and outcomes of larval cyathostominosis. Objectives: To describe the presentation, treatment and outcomes of horses with larval cyathostominosis in two equine hospitals. Study design: Retrospective, multicentred cohort study. Methods: Clinical records were reviewed (2009–2020). Inclusion criteria included a diagnosis of larval cyathostominosis (determined by faecal assessment and/or post-mortem examination). Data were assessed for normality. Descriptive analysis was performed for frequency results and central tendencies. Statistical analysis between survivors and nonsurvivors was determined by Chi-square/Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, and Student's t-test/Mann–Whitney for continuous variables. Results: Of 38 cases, 21 (55%) were nonsurvivors (3/38 dead on arrival). Nonsurvivors died by 2.9 days ± 2.4. Tachycardia (mean 61 beats/min ± 14), leucocytosis (mean 17.1 × 109/L ± 9.1), neutrophilia (mean 14.1 × 109/L ± 8.5), hypoalbuminaemia (mean 21.6 g/L ± 6.0), hyperfibrinogenaemia (mean 7.4 g/L ± 2.6) and elevated serum amyloid A (SAA) (median 315.0 mg/L, interquartile range [IQR] 117.0–1460.0) were consistent findings. Faecal shedding of Salmonella spp. occurred in four cases. The mean last recorded albumin was 18.6 g/L ± 4.5 and total protein (TP) 52.3 g/L ± 13.6. Crystalloids were administered in 25/35, synthetic colloids in 5/35 and plasma in 17/35 cases. Anthelmintic treatment was administered in 25/35 cases, of which 22 also received corticosteroids. Recumbency prior to admission (p = 0.037) and administration of isotonic fluid therapy (p = 0.027) were associated with nonsurvival. From peripheral blood analysis, lower TP (p = 0.006) and higher SAA (p = 0.050) concentrations at admission as well as lower last recorded TP (p = 0.002) and lower last recorded albumin concentrations (p = 0.028) were associated with nonsurvival. Main limitations: Results may not be applicable to other populations. Conclusions: Referred cases of larval cyathostominosis have a low survival rate. Several variables are associated with reduced survival: history of recumbency, isotonic fluid therapy, elevated SAA at admission, low TP at admission, low last recorded TP and low last recorded albumin.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: horse, cyathostomin, diarrhoea, small red worms, small strongyles, survival
Divisions: Faculty of Health & Life Sciences
Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Infection, Vet & Ecological Sciences
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 31 Mar 2023 11:23
Last Modified: 24 Jan 2026 04:10
DOI: 10.1111/eve.13782
Open Access URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/eve.13782
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URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3169393
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