Antiparasitic activity of parbendazole in critical tests in horses

Critical tests were conducted in 11 naturally infected horses to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of parbendazole. Single doses at the rates of 30, 20, 10, 5, or 2.5 mg/kg of body weight were administered by stomach tube to 1, 4, 2, 2, and 2 horses, respectively. Parbendazole was active against Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi, Strongylus vulgaris, Strongylus edentatus, and small strongyles throughout the range of doses. Generally, small numbers of P equorum were present, but apparently a dose rate higher than 2.5 mg/kg is necessary for complete clearance. Removal of O equi was virtually 100%, even at the 2.5 mg/kg dose rate, although mature forms were present in small numbers. Removal of S vulgaris and S edentatus was 98% to 100% at the largest and smallest dose rates and was somewhat inconsistent, especially of S edentatus, at most intermediate dose rates. Overall removal of small strongyles was good even at smallest dose rate. Activity was limited or lacking against stomach parasites. Transient diarrhea was observed for 24 to 48 hours after treatment at each dose rate tested.