Use of a commercial oral moxidectin plus praziquantel combination for treatment of the respiratory nematode Crenosoma striatum in rescued Southern white-breasted hedgehogs (Erinaceus concolor)

Background

Crenosoma striatum lungworm infestation is common in many free-ranging hedgehogs. This report describes the clinical experience when using a commercial moxidectin/praziquantel combination against natural C. striatum infestation in rescued Southern white-breasted hedgehogs (Erinaceus concolor).

Methods

In total, 24 hedgehogs received a commercial moxidectin/praziquantel combination at 1.2 mg per kg and 7.0 mg per kg bodyweight orally after showing C. striatum larvae in their feces. Weekly fecal rechecks were performed over 4 weeks.

Results

There were no apparent adverse responses, and nearly all treated hedgehogs (96%) had increased their body weights before their release to the wild. When compared to their initial positive check, none of the treated hedgehogs had showed C. striatum larvae in their last fecal recheck.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Based on our observations, a single oral administration of moxidectin/praziquantel is safe and effective for treatment of C. striatum lungworm infestation in Southern white-breasted hedgehogs.