Changes

Cyathostomins are also known as small strongyles, and are one of the most important gastro-intestinal parasites of the horse. Over 40 species and several genera have been identified. The small, thread-like worms inhabit the caecum and the large colon with their developmental stages confined to the mucosa of the large intestine. Unlike the large strongyles, they do not undergo any extra-intestinal migration during development.  

Cyathostomins are also known as small strongyles, and are one of the most important gastro-intestinal parasites of the horse. Over 40 species and several genera have been identified. The small, thread-like worms inhabit the caecum and the large colon with their developmental stages confined to the mucosa of the large intestine. Unlike the large strongyles, they do not undergo any extra-intestinal migration during development.  

Both an acute and chronic form of larval cyathostomosis occur in horses. The acute form occurs due to the re-emergence of hypobiotic thrid stage larvae from the intestinal wall, and horses are usually affected during late winter or early spring. It is usually individual, susceptible animals that are affected.  

Both an acute and chronic form of larval cyathostomosis occur in horses. The acute form occurs due to the re-emergence of hypobiotic thrid stage larvae from the intestinal wall, and horses are usually affected during late winter or early spring.  

The chronic form occurs when ingested larvae develop to the fourth stage without interruption, leading to inflammation and thickening of the intestinal mucosa. Larval emergence may occur throughout the summer and autumn, leading to the clinical signs associated with a 'wormy' horse.

The chronic form occurs when ingested larvae develop to the fourth stage without interruption, leading to inflammation and thickening of the intestinal mucosa. Larval emergence may occur throughout the summer and autumn, leading to the clinical signs associated with a 'wormy' horse.  

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

* Acute onset, profuse diarrhoea

* Acute onset, profuse diarrhoea

* Pyrexia

* Pyrexia

 

 

* Poor quality coat

* Poor quality coat

* Increased or decreased appetite

* Increased or decreased appetite

* Pyrexia

 

* Large numbers of thread-like larvae in faeces

* Lethargy

* Lethargy

Affected horses may show the following abnormalities on haematology and biochemistry:

Affected horses may show the following abnormalities on haematology and biochemistry:

* Hyperglobulinaemia (especially IgG)

* Hyperglobulinaemia (especially IgG)l

* Anaemia  

* Anaemia  

* Neutrophilia

* Neutrophilia

* Hypoalbuminaemia

* Hypoalbuminaemia

 

Intestinal biopsy via laparotomy may may reveal a massive eosinophilic infiltration of the mucosa.  

Gross examination of faeces may reveal bright red fourth or fifth stage larvae. Larvae may be found on the rectal sleeve following examination.  Faecal egg counts may be low due to the disease being caused by emerging larvae.

==Pathology==

==Pathology==

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

==Prevention==

==Prevention==