EXPERIENCE IN TREATMENT OF CAPTIVE LIONS, COUGARS AND BEARS WITH ASCARID INFECTIONS: A REVIEW

Abstract

Parasite control in captive animals is often difficult and have a row of specificities. Ascarid infections are among the most common parasitoses in animals, especially for captive ones. The aim of this study was to review the experience in treatment of ascaridoses in lions, cougars and bears. Drugs, dosages and schemes of treatment are presented. Bibliographic reference showed that over the years piperazine, pyrantel pamoate, benzimidazoles and ivermectin were the most used medicines to treat Toxascaris leonina in lions and cougars and Baylissascariasis spp. infections in bears. Based on the summarized data fenbendazole applying in extended schedules or a dosage of 15 mg/kg body weight could be recommended for treatment of ascarid infections in bears, and ivermectin at a dose of 0.2–0.3 mg/kg body weight twice in four weeks interval could be recommended for treatment of ascarid infections in lions. Combined preparations of drugs from different pharmaceutical groups have also shown high efficiency and can be successfully used in such cases.