Clinical and Therapeutic Management of Concurrent Feed Impaction, Helminthosis and Anaplasmosis in a Four-Year-Old Balami Ewe: A Case Report

Abstract

Feed impaction and parasitic diseases in small ruminant can negatively affect the health and productivity of sheep and may occur concurrently, complicating clinical management. This case report describes the clinical and therapeutic management of feed impaction, helminthosis and anaplasmosis in a 4-year-old Balami ewe presented with clinical signs suggestive of gastrointestinal obstruction and systemic parasitic disease. These conditions may arise from bacterial, viral, protozoal, and parasitic infections, as well as nutritional imbalances and inappropriate feeding practices. Common gastrointestinal disorders in small ruminants include enteritis, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, and enterotoxaemia. Gastrointestinal parasites, particularly helminths and protozoa, are also important causes of morbidity, reduced productivity, and mortality (Okwuonu, et al., 2026). Among the most significant gastrointestinal parasites are Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus species, Teladorsagia species, Strongyloides species, Eimeria species, and Fasciola species. The prevalence and severity of these infections are influenced by several factors, including climatic conditions, pasture contamination, stocking density, animal age, nutritional status, and husbandry practices. Clinical examination was complemented by haematological and parasitological investigations in clinical pathology and parasitology laboratory.  A blood sample was collected from the jugular vein for complete blood count and haemoparasite screening, while faecal analysis was conducted to determine helminth eggs and coccidian oocysts. Haematological findings revealed anaemia, with a packed cell volume of 19%, leukocytosis (18.1 x 10^9/L), marked lymphocytosis (14.5 x 10^9/L), and mild hyperproteinaemia (8.4 g/dL). The findings were considered consistent with an underlying infectious and parasitic disease process, with the anaemia potentially associated with anaplasmosis and helminthosis.