Clinical, hematological and parasitological evaluation in equines used for wagon traction in Aracajú city, SE, Brazil

Abstract

To estimate the general health condition of traction equines used in the Aracaju city, Sergipe state, Brazil, clinical laboratory evaluations were performed on 50 horses attended in the veterinary hospital of Faculdade Pio Décimo, from August to December, 2008. At clinical evaluation 36% and 30% increase of respiratory and cardiac frequencies, respectively, was found. Skin lesions were present in 5% of the animals including alopecia, abrasion, crusts and wounds. Ectoparasites (ticks) were present in 54% of the equines. Pathological disorders of the locomotor system, as tenosynovitis, tendinitis, joint swelling, claudication, hoof cracks, inadequate trimming and shoeing were observed in 48% of the horses. Endoparasites were present in 58% of the horses and the Strongyloides were more prevalent. Among these horses, 34.48% had high degree of parasitism. The results indicate that urban traction horses in the referred city have handling deficiency that induces pathologies and compromises animal work capacity, health and welfare, and requires actions to minimize problems resulting from this activity. Keywords: Wagon traction animals, endoparasites, locomotor system, animal welfare.