Estudo Comparativo dos Parâmetros Hematológicos e de Líquido Peritoneal em Cavalos de Tração Naturalmente Parasitados e após Utilização de Anti-Helmíntico

Abstract

This study was conducted with the objective to evaluate and compare the hematological and peritoneal fluid parameters in horses used for traction naturally parasitized and after the use of anthelmintic. Twenty one horses, aged between two and nineteen years old, mixed breed and with results of parasitological examination more than 300 eggs per gram of feces were studied. The animals were subjected to physical assessment and collection of feces, blood and peritoneal fluid in two phases of the experiment (day zero – D0 and day fifteen – D15), with antiparasitic treatment being performed in D0. Peritoneal fluid was evaluated for physical and biochemical features, as well as total count of nucleated cells and differentiation of cells lineages. The blood was determined for erythrocyte, leukocyte and biochemical values, which included plasma protein concentration, glucose, fibrinogen, albumin, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. The average number of eggs per gram of feces observed was 796,4 ±468,8, with a predominance of eggs of the order Strongylida and Ascaridida. The comparison of all parameters evaluated showed no significant difference between animals naturally parasitized and after administration of anthelmintic and averages remained within the reference ranges, except for the total count of nucleated cells in the peritoneal fluid in D0. In the peritoneal fluid, there was a predominance of segmented neutrophils, followed by macrophages, lymphocytes and eosinophils in both evaluations. In assessing the complete blood count, there was a trend in the framework erythrocyte remaining close to the lower limits of reference and mild leukocytosis in D0. Parasitic infestation of the animals studied was predominantly moderate, which offers minimal clinical risks. It is assumed that horses naturally parasitized have a symbiotic host-parasite relationship, probably due to the constant exposure to parasites. And in this situation, it can be stated that the hematological and peritoneal fluid parameters help, but they are not conclusive in the diagnosis of chronic gastrointestinal parasites.