Endoscopic aspects of equine gastric habronemosis

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Carla Bargi Belli
Luís Cláudio Lopes Correia da Silva
Wilson Roberto Fernandes

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was lo investigate the occurrence of Habronema sp. in healthy horses and to confirm the effectiveness of gastroscopy as a diagnostic method. Material and Method: Gastroscopy examination was performed in 21 healthy horses of different breeds and aged between 3 and 20 years, referred from the Equine Clinic Service of the Faculdade de Medicina Velerinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo (School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo), São Paulo, Sp, Brazil. Results: Habronema sp. was present in 28,6% of the horses, mostly close lo the mango plicatus. The presence of excessive amounts was documented in 50% of the affected animals. The parasites recovered were identified as Habronema muscae. Conclusions: Habronema sp. is common in Brazil. Endoscopically, gastric habronemosis is characterized by the presence of the parasites and an associated catarrhal gastritis, with excessive mucus production. Although infections with low parasitic load may go unidentified, gastroscopy examination is an efficient diagnostic method for gastric habronemosis in horses.

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How to Cite
BELLI, C. B.; SILVA, L. C. L. C. DA; FERNANDES, W. R. Endoscopic aspects of equine gastric habronemosis. Revista de Educação Continuada em Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, v. 8, n. 1, p. 13-18, 1 Jan. 2005.
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE