There are many parasites of animals which are present inside their body and known as endoparasites.
They feed on their blood and animal become anemic. There are some endoparasites examples and their brief description.
- Ostertagia
They are present in the abomasum of sheep and other animals. They are of 1cm in length. Due to these worms inflammation occur in the animal’s stomach.
- Oesophagostomum
These worms are present in the caecum and colon of the animal. Mature worms suck the blood of animal and feces also become of dark color.
- Fasciola gigantica
The habitat of Fasciola gigantica changes with the stage of its life cycle. Adult F. gigantica lives in the liver and bile ducts of its definitive hosts (sheep, cattle, and other grazing ruminant mammals).
Eggs shed by adults are located in the intestinal tract of mammals and in result animal become weak.
- Lancet Liver Fluke
These flukes are present in the bile duct of large animals, sheep, and goats. They are 5 to 12mm in length. Their severe attack causes hypersalivation and animal to become anemic.
- Ascaris
Ascaris are commonly present in dogs and horses. Their length is of 30cm. They are often present in young animals.
- Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be done by two methods.
1) Examination of feces
2) By blood smear technique
- Treatment
Punch, Nilzan and Albendazole can be used for treatment and also the combination of Ivermectin, Albendazole and tricalbendazole can also be given.