Plasma Total Protein, Serum Calcium and Inorganic Phosphate Levels in Nigerian Horses with Natural Piroplasmosis

The objectives of this study were to determine alterations in plasma total protein, serum calcium and phosphorus levels in horses with natural piroplasmosis. Knowledge of these alterations, enable clinicians decide on the need for supportive therapy during specific treatment to hasten return of animals to sound health. To achieve these, values of total protein, calcium and inorganic phosphorus from piroplasmosis infected (n = 29), piroplasmosis+gastrointestinal parasites infected (n= 22) and negative apparently healthy, control (n=36) horses were statistically compared. The horses were between 41/2 and 14 years old located in palaces stables in Bida, Agaie, Minna, Suleja and Borgu towns of Niger State, Nigeria. Five milliliters of jugular vein blood and 3 grammes of rectal feces from the horses were screened using microscopy, refractometry and spectrophotometry methods respectively to determine their infection status. Multiple range tests (Duncan procedure) were used to compare data between the groups at 95% confidence. Result showed that Theileria equi and Babesia caballi were the causes of equine piroplasmosis. No statistically significant difference in the plasma levels of total protein (p > 0.05), serum calcium ion (p > 0.05) and inorganic phosphate levels (p > 0.05). It was concluded that significant alterations do not occur in the plasma total protein, serum calcium and inorganic phosphate levels of horses with natural equine piroplasmosis and supportive therapy in respect of the substances is not necessary.