A Case Report of Strongylosis, Coccidiosis, and Babesiosis in an Aged West African Barb Stallion, Nigeria

An 18-year-old West African Barb stallion was presented to the Nigerian Police Force Veterinary Clinic, Ibadan, with complaints of progressive weight loss and inappetence despite adequate feeding. The stallion was managed semi-intensively with six mares and three stallions, fed hay, grasses, and concentrates. Clinical examination revealed emaciation, pale ocular mucous membranes, and perianal tick infestation, with rectal temperature (38.9°C), heart rate (44 beats/min), respiratory rate (20 cycles/min), and a prolonged capillary refill time (4 seconds). A presumptive diagnosis of parasitic infestation was made. Blood samples were collected for haematology and serum biochemistry, while faecal samples were obtained for parasitological evaluation using the flotation technique. Ticks were carefully removed and identified morphologically. Haematology showed leukopenia (2.85×10⁹/µL), neutropenia (1.31×10⁹/µL) and lymphopenia (1.48×10⁹/µL), while blood smear examination confirmed Babesia spp. Faecal analysis revealed heavy Strongylus spp. (3+) and light Eimeria spp. (1+) infections. Serum biochemistry showed normal albumin and globulin, mildly elevated alanine aminotransferase (17 U/L), decreased aspartate aminotransferase (154 U/L), and reduced creatinine (0.8 mg/dl), suggesting mild hepatic involvement with preserved renal function. Ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The horse was managed with diminazene aceturate (3.5 mg/kg intramuscularly, repeated after 24 h), toltrazuril (20 mg/kg orally, 5/7), multivitamin (20 ml intramuscularly ×3/7), and topical cypermethrin (5% pour-on). After one month, follow-up showed normalized haematology, negative parasitological results, and clinical recovery. The report highlights the epidemiological relevance of mixed parasitic infections in horses in tropical regions, emphasizing the need for continuous surveillance and integrated parasite control programs.