Treatment and management of Trichuris ovis in goats-a case study

Abstract

Trichurosis is very common in small ruminants in the tropical regions of Andhra Pradesh. These worms are commonly called as whip worms mainly located in the caecum and colon of small ruminants. Infection with these worms can lead to various disease symptoms depending on the severity of infection like anaemia, severe weight loss, dehydration and haemorrhagic colitis. While many cases of Trichuris ovis may not present any clinical symptoms, especially in mild infections. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent severe complication in the infected small ruminants. Three goats were presented to Clinical complex, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, College of Veterinary Science, Tirupati with the history of diarrhoea, weakness, anorexia and chronic weight loss. Faecal sample examination revealed Trichuris ovis eggs. All the goats were treated with Oxfendazole anthelminthic along with supportive therapy. Two goats were recovered within one week of post treatment. But one goat died. On postmortem examination large intestine of died goat revealed a mixed infection of many whip worms embedded in mucosa of caecum and some Haemonchus worms in the mucosa of abomasum.