Overview
Strongylus vulgaris is a gastrointestinal nematode that causes significant pathology in equines, particularly affecting the arterial system leading to verminous arteritis characterized by thrombi formation and arterial wall damage 2.Diagnosis
Clinical signs include colic, weight loss, and potentially acute verminous arteritis with specific lesions at necropsy.
Necropsy findings reveal arterial larval burdens and characteristic lesions such as arterial wall thickening and thrombi formation 2.
Histopathological examination of affected arteries can confirm the presence of larvae and associated inflammatory changes 2.Management
First-line Treatment: Regular anthelmintic treatment with ivermectin (frequency and dose not specified in abstracts) to reduce larval burdens 1.
Vaccination: Foalhood vaccination with irradiation-attenuated L3 larvae vaccine can significantly reduce arterial larval burdens and clinical signs in yearlings when challenged with S. vulgaris 1.
Environmental Control: Pasture management to minimize exposure to infective larvae stages is crucial but not detailed in the abstracts.Special Populations
Pediatrics: Foalhood vaccination appears effective in reducing the impact of Strongylus vulgaris infection in young equines 1.Key Recommendations
Implement regular anthelmintic treatment, particularly with ivermectin, to control Strongylus vulgaris burdens in all equines 1. (Evidence: Strong)
Consider foalhood vaccination with irradiation-attenuated L3 larvae vaccine to protect against severe arterial infection in yearlings 1. (Evidence: Moderate)
Monitor and manage pasture conditions to reduce environmental exposure to infective larvae stages, though specific protocols are not detailed in the provided abstracts 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)References
1 Klei TR, French DD, Chapman MR, McClure JR, Dennis VA, Taylor HW et al.. Protection of yearling ponies against Strongylus vulgaris by foalhood vaccination. Equine veterinary journal. Supplement 1989. link
2 White NA, Moore JN, Douglas M. SEM study of Strongylus vulgaris larva-induced arteritis in the pony. Equine veterinary journal 1983. link