Cyathostomum catinatum infection in a mule of Palam Valley, India: a case report.

The small strongyles also called as cyathostomes, cyathostomins or trichonemes, affect the health status of equines, leading to morbidity and mortality in heavily infested individuals. The present study was carried out with the aim to identify the cause of colic in a mule of Palam valley, Himachal Pradesh, India. The detailed faecal sample examination revealed heavy intensity of strongyle eggs with an egg per gram value of 2300. The collected faecal sample also exhibited presence of adult worms. The morphological observations after clearing the retrieved parasites revealed the presence of adults of Cyathostomum catinatum species. The haematological and serum biochemical studies revealed alterations related to parasitic invasion. Fenbendazole used for the treatment proved completely effective. To the best of our knowledge and thorough literature search this is the first report of C. catinatum infestation in equines of India.