Larval cyathostominosis in a working donkey

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Equine Health
• Gastrointestinal Pathology

Background:

• Parasitic infections significantly impact donkey health and productivity.
• Small strongyles are a major threat, with larvae causing extensive intestinal damage.
• Cyathostomins are common equine parasites residing in the large intestine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the specific cyathostomin species involved in severe intestinal lesions in a donkey.
• To document the pathological findings associated with cyathostomin infection in a clinical case.

Main Methods:

• Necropsy of a 6-year-old female donkey presenting with diarrhea and emaciation.
• Gross examination of the gastrointestinal tract, focusing on the cecum.
• Parasitological examination to identify cyathostomin species.
• Microscopic examination of intestinal tissue for larval stages and inflammatory responses.

Main Results:

• Gross findings included a hyperemic, hemorrhagic cecum with petechial hemorrhages.
• Parasitological identification confirmed the presence of Cylicocyclus elongatus and Cyathostomum pathratum.
• Microscopic examination revealed cyathostomin larvae within parasitic granulomas in the cecal submucosa.
• Lesions were characterized by non-suppurative enteritis with significant eosinophilic, plasma cell, lymphocyte, and macrophage infiltration.

Conclusions:

• Cylicocyclus elongatus and Cyathostomum pathratum are implicated in severe cecal pathology in donkeys.
• Cyathostomin larval migration and encystment can lead to significant gastrointestinal damage and inflammation.
• This case highlights the pathogenic potential of small strongyles in equine health.