Which parasite could cause anemia in horses through blood sucking?

Which parasite could cause anemia in horses through blood sucking?

• A. Parascaris equorum
• B. Anoplocephala perfoliata
• C. Dictyocaulus arnfieldi
• D. Strongylus vulgaris

Answer: (D)

The concept here is that anemia from parasites in horses typically arises when a parasite feeds on blood in the gastrointestinal tract. The large strongyles, especially Strongylus vulgaris, are classic blood-sucking nematodes. They attach to the intestinal mucosa and ingest blood, which over time can lead to significant blood loss and anemia, along with other GI and vascular issues from their migratory life cycle. Other parasites listed don’t primarily cause anemia through blood feeding: Parascaris equorum is a roundworm of foals that mainly causes intestinal obstruction and enteritis rather than blood loss; Dictyocaulus arnfieldi is a lungworm causing respiratory signs; Anoplocephala perfoliata is a tapeworm that can contribute to colic but not by blood-sucking.

The concept here is that anemia from parasites in horses typically arises when a parasite feeds on blood in the gastrointestinal tract. The large strongyles, especially Strongylus vulgaris, are classic blood-sucking nematodes. They attach to the intestinal mucosa and ingest blood, which over time can lead to significant blood loss and anemia, along with other GI and vascular issues from their migratory life cycle.

Other parasites listed don’t primarily cause anemia through blood feeding: Parascaris equorum is a roundworm of foals that mainly causes intestinal obstruction and enteritis rather than blood loss; Dictyocaulus arnfieldi is a lungworm causing respiratory signs; Anoplocephala perfoliata is a tapeworm that can contribute to colic but not by blood-sucking.