Minerals profile, biochemical and haematological studies associated with some parasitic affections in farm horses

ABSTRACT

A total of 40 farm horses in a governmental horse farm suffering from intermittent fever, icterus, anorexia, haemoglobinuria and/or oliguria were used to perform clinical and diagnostic studies on equine babesiosis, of which 25 B. equi infected horses were used to perform minerals profile, biochemical and haematological studies associated with equine babesiosis. B. equi was the only species to be recognized in this study. The morphometric data indicated that the mean length and width of single pear shape babesia was 2.08 and 1.41 micron respectively. Examination of blood films revealed an incidence rate of 87.5% with B. equi in horses showing the previous clinical symptoms and a parasitaemia of 0.5-2% infected RBCs with B. equi. Also, a total of 20 P. equorum infected foals and 25 strongyle infected horses [S. vulgaris and Trichonema spp.] suffering from emaciation, recurrent colic, chronic intermittent diarrhoea and intermittent lameness were used to study changes in serum minerals, biochemical parameters and haematological picture associated with helminths infestations in farm horses. Concerning the minerals profile, there was significant decrease in the levels of serum sodium, iron, copper, cobalt and zinc. While a significant increase in serum potassium was recorded in B. equi infected horses. Also, there was significant decrease in the level of serum calcium, sodium, iron, copper, cobalt and zinc in P. equorum infected group. In strongyle infected group, there was significant decrease in serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, copper, cobalt and zinc levels. Regarding the biochemical findings, there was a significant increase in TSP, globulins, bilirubins, ALP, AST, gamma-GT and urea levels, while a significant decrease in glucose level was also recorded in B. equi infected horses. A significant increase in direct bilirubin, gamma-GT and urea levels, while a significant degrease in ALP, AST and glucose levels were also observed in P. equorum infected group. In strongyle infected group, there was significant increase in total protein, globulins, ALP and AST levels, while, a significant decrease was observed in albumin level. Concerning the haematological picture, significant decrease was observed in RBCs count, Hb Content, PCV% and lymphocytes%, while, a significant increase was observed in ESR, total leucocytic count, neutrophils and eosinophils% in B. equi infected horses. In P. equorum infected foals, significant decrease was observed in RBCs count, Hb content, PCV% and lymphocytes, while, a significant increase of eosinophils was also reported. In strongyle-infected group, there was significant decrease in RBCs count, Hb content, PCV% and lymphocytes, while significant increase was recorded in ESR, TLC, neutrophils and eosinophils. Nutrient concentrations in the total diets of horses were analyzed and found to be sufficient according to those suggested by National Research Council [NRC], 1989. Thus, changes in blood constituents will be attributed to the effect of parasites on the host and not due to malnutrition