The local river terrapins (Batagur affinis) are an important aspect of the river ecosystem. The Turtle Conservation Centre in Bota Kanan noted morbidity and mortality in its terrapin population and some were sent for full laboratory investigationto diagnose cause of death. The faecal samples were subjected to faecal floatation technique whereby ascarid eggs were observed indicating that the turtles had helminth infection. Ascarid eggs had thick walls and measured at 140.6 μm to 149.7 μm in diameter. Apart from this, post-mortem examination of intestinal contents also showed presence of nematodes identified as Oesophagostomum sp. Treatment and control have to be instituted to prevent further morbidity and losses.

In the Malaysian environment horses are primarily used in sports activities such as racing, endurance, dressage and show jumping as well as in recreational pursuits and police work. Recently, the Perak Turf Club witnessed the death of a four-yearold thoroughbred mare which was given enrofloxacin injection as treatment and was regularly dewormed and vaccinated againstequine influenza, Japanese encephalitis and tetanus. Post-mortem examination of intestinal contents revealed presence of worms. The sample was then sent to the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI), Perak for morphological identification of the worm. The worm was identified as Parascaris equorum. Thus, awareness ongastrointestinal parasites should be raised especially by recommending improved management practices such as proper manure disposal and deworming procedures to control parasite infestations as well as good management and nutrition.

Microvascular permeability of the jejunum of clinically normal equids and microvascular permeability associated with 60 minutes of ischemia (25% baseline blood flow) and subsequent reperfusion were investigated. Eight adult horses were randomly allotted to 2 equal groups: normal and ischemic/repertusion injury. Lymphatic flow rates, mesenteric blood flow, and lymph and plasma protein concentrations were determined at 15-minute intervals throughout the study. Microvascular permeability was determined by estimates of the osmotic reflection coefficient, which was determined when the ratio of lymphatic protein to plasma protein concentration reached a constant minimal value as lymph flow rate increased (filtration-independent lymph flow rate), which occurred at venous pressure of 30 mm of Hg. Full-thickness jejunal biopsy specimens were obtained at the beginning and end of each experiment, and were prepared for light microscopy to estimate tissue volume (edema) and for transmission electron microscopy to evaluate capillary endothelial cell morphology. The osmotic reflection coefficient for normal equine jejunum was 0.19 + 0.06, and increased significantly (P < 0.0001) to 0.48 + 0.05 after the ischemia/reperfusion period. Microscopic evaluation revealed a significant increase (P < 0.0001) in submucosal and serosal volume and capillary endothelial cell damage in horses that underwent ischemia/ reperfusion injury. Results indicate that ischemia/reperfusion of the equine jejunum caused a significant increase in microvascular permeability.

The efficacy of a beef-based, chewable formulation of ivermectin against a mixed infection of Ancylostoma braziliense and A tubaeforme was determined in cats. Ivermectin administered orally at approximately 24 microgram/kg of body weight was 92.8% effective against adult A braziliense and 90.7% effective against adult A tubaeforme. The number of eggs per gram of feces had decreased 98.1% by 7 days after treatment. Clinical signs of hookworm disease also decreased after treatment. Location of adult parasites within the small intestine, percentage of infecting larvae that developed to the adult stage, and egg size in cats with infections of A braziliense and A tubaeforme were similar to those reported for cats with separate infections of either species.

In 2 trials, the efficacy of an in-feed preparation of ivermectin was evaluated in 40 pigs naturally infected with endoparasites and Sarcoptes scabiei var suis. Treated pigs (n = 10 in each trial) were fed a ration containing 2 ppm ivermectin for 7 days, followed by consumption of a nonmedicated ration for the remainder of the trial. Control pigs (n = 10 in each trial) were fed a complete, nonmedicated ration for the duration of the trial. Pigs in trial A were monitored for 14 days after treatment; those in trial B were monitored for 35 days after treatment. In trial A, treatment efficacy of ivermectin was 100% against Ascaris suum, Physocephalus sexalatus, Oesophagostomum dentatum, O brevicaudum, Metastrongylus spp; 99.8% against Ascarops strongylina; 90.9% against Trichuris suis; and 13.1% against Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus. At the terminus of the trial, statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences were observed between numbers of treated and control pigs infected with A suum, Ascarops strongylina, and Oesophagostomum spp. On posttreatment day 14, S scabiei were not found in any scrapings taken from treated pigs, but were found in scrapings from 3 of 10 control pigs. The number of infested pigs in the treatment group was not statistically different from the number of infested pigs in the control group. In trial B, treatment efficacy was 100% for A suum and Metastrongylus spp; 96.9% for Ascarops strongylina; and 76.9% for M hirudinaceus. At the terminus of the trial, statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences were evident between numbers of treated and control pigs infected with A suum, Ascarops strongylina, and Metastrongylus spp. On posttreatment days 7, 2 1, and 35, S scabiei were not found in scrapings taken from treated pigs. On posttreatment days 7, 2 1, and 35, S scabiei were found in scrapings from 8, 6, and 1 pig, respectively, whereas live mites were not found on scrapings taken from treated pigs on these days. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences were evident between the numbers of infested pigs in the treated and control groups on days 7 and 21. Ivermectin fed to swine ad libitum in a complete ration at 2 ppm was shown to be highly effective as an anthelmintic and acaricide.

Twelve Holstein calves mere used to determine the prophylactic efficacy of ivermectin against challenge exposure with gastrointestinal and pulmonary nematodes. Two groups of 6 calves (mean body weight, 205 kg) each were formed by restricted randomization according to body weight. Group-l calves served as nonmedicated controls. Each calf of group 2 was orally given one prototype sustained-release bolus designed to deliver ivermectin at a continuous daily dose of 8 mg. Third-stage nematode infective larvae were given to the calves on posttreatment days 28 and 42. The calves were euthanatized 77 or 78 days after treatment. Ivermectin was 100% effective (P < 0.05) in preventing the establishment of infection by Haemonchus placei, Ostertagia ostertagi, Cooperia spp (C punctata, C oncophora, C surnabada), Nematodirus helvetianus, Oesophagostomum radiatum, and Dictyocaulus viviparus and was > 99% effective against Trichostrongylus axei. Incidental infection by Trichuris spp was reduced by 94% (P = 0.08).

helminths of naturally infected dogs and cats, effect of febantel/praziquantel paste

nematodes, dogs, ivermectin activity; no activity against cestodes

Horses that have been retired from racing or imported from abroad are retired as broodmares. Whether at private farms or government institutes they are bred to stallions with the aim of improving fertility and enhancing the breed. Accidental deaths as a result of surgical or obstetrical complications lead to decreased productivity and economic losses to the horse breeding industry. Intussusception of the uterine horn is a frequent complication of the equine and bovine species, but rarely seen in other species. The most common causes are thought to be tearing of the placenta which is suspended from the uterus and ovaries and the weight of the placenta.