Comparative Analysis of Intestinal Helminth Infections in Colic and Non-Colic Control Equine Patients.
Authors: Gehlen Heidrun, Wulke Nadine, Ertelt Antonia, Nielsen Martin K, Morelli Simone, Traversa Donato, Merle Roswitha, Wilson Douglas, Samson-Himmelstjerna Georg von
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Intestinal helminths remain ubiquitous in equine populations worldwide, yet evidence linking specific parasite burdens to colic has been surprisingly limited until now. This prospective case-control study examined 620 clinic patients using copromicroscopy (FLOTAC), PCR, and serology to determine whether helminth infection status differed between horses presenting with colic and healthy controls, alongside detailed anthelmintic and husbandry histories. Strongyles dominated the parasitic landscape at 41.8% prevalence by faecal examination, whilst *Anoplocephala perfoliata* and *Parascaris* spp. were rare (0.8% each); notably, no significant difference existed between colic and non-colic groups, though serological testing revealed considerably higher exposure rates (32.3% for *S. vulgaris* and 10.7% for *A. perfoliata*). A striking finding emerged regarding anthelmintic treatment timing: horses dosed within the previous week showed a 2.4-fold increased colic risk compared to those treated eight or more weeks prior, suggesting either acute dysbiosis or migration-related complications warrant serious consideration in clinical practice. These results challenge assumptions about helminth burden as a primary colic driver, whilst the substantial serological evidence of *S. vulgaris* exposure underscores the need for evidence-based, strategically timed parasite control rather than reflexive frequent dosing.
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Practical Takeaways
- •High helminth seroprevalence (32.3% for S. vulgaris, 10.7% for A. perfoliata) warrants continued consistent worm control programs despite lack of direct association with colic in this population
- •Recent anthelmintic treatment correlates with increased colic risk—consider timing of worming and monitor for adverse effects in the week following treatment
- •Copromicroscopy alone may underestimate true helminth exposure; serological testing provides additional diagnostic value for epidemiological understanding
Key Findings
- •Strongyle infection rates were 41.8% by FLOTAC copromicroscopy with no significant difference between colic and non-colic groups
- •S. vulgaris seroprevalence was 32.3% and A. perfoliata 10.7%, but neither showed association with colic status
- •Recent anthelmintic treatment (within previous week) was associated with 2.4-fold increased risk of colic compared to treatment ≥8 weeks prior
- •Ponies were significantly less frequently affected by colic than warmblood horses