Clinical, haematological and biochemical alteration associated with Toxocara vitulorum infection in a buffalo calf and its dam

Abstract

This case study presents a Toxocara vitulorum infection in a 3-week-old buffalo calf and its dam. The calf exhibited clinical signs of diarrhoea, lethargy, abdominal distension and poor appetite. Faecal examination revealed Toxocara vitulorum eggs in the calf, while the dam’s faeces tested negative but was suspected to transmit the parasite through milk. Haematological analysis of the calf showed anaemia, eosinophilia, and low packed cell volume. Biochemical analysis revealed hypoproteinemia and normal liver and kidney function tests. The calf was treated with pyrantel pamoate, while the dam received fenbendazole as a prophylactic measure. Post-treatment, the calf’s clinical condition improved, with normalized haematological, biochemical, and faecal parameters. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis, haematological and biochemical assessments, and timely deworming to manage Toxocara vitulorum infections in buffalo herds effectively.