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 'encysted' (hypobiotic) thrid stage larvae from the intestinal wall, and horses with this type of disease are usually affected during late winter or early spring.  

Both acute and chronic forms of larval cyathostomosis occur in horses. The '''acute form''' occurs due to the re-emergence of 'encysted' (hypobiotic) third stage larvae from the intestinal wall, and horses with this type of disease are usually affected during late winter or early spring.  

The chronic form occurs when ingested third stage 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 of associated with a 'wormy' horse. This type of cyathostomosis is more commonly seen in younger horses who have not yet developed full immunity against the parasite.

The '''chronic form''' occurs when ingested third stage 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. This type of cyathostomosis is more commonly seen in younger horses who have not yet developed full immunity against the parasite.

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

All horses may be affected but most are less than five years old. Geriatric animals also have an increased susceptibility. Clinical disease commonly occurs in late winter or early spring and usually affects only one or two horses in a herd. A history of an unthrifty or 'poor do-er' young horse, combined with identifcation of larvae in faeces may be sufficient to arouse clinical suspicion of cyathostomosis.  

All horses may be affected but most are less than five years old. Geriatric animals also have an increased susceptibility. Clinical disease commonly occurs in late winter or early spring and usually affects only one or two horses in a herd. A history of an unthrifty or 'poor do-er' young horse, combined with identification of larvae in faeces may be sufficient to arouse clinical suspicion of cyathostomosis.  

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==

Acute disease:

'''Acute disease''':

* Acute onset, profuse diarrhoea

* Acute onset, profuse diarrhoea

Chronic disease:

'''Chronic disease''':

* Poor quality coat

* Poor quality coat

Other clinical features of the disease include ventral oedema due to a protein-losing enteropathy. Adult and larval worms may cause damage to the intestinal mucosa through plug feeding, resulting in ulcer formation.

Other clinical features of the disease include ventral oedema due to a [[Protein Losing Enteropathy|protein-losing enteropathy]]. Adult and larval worms may cause damage to the intestinal mucosa through plug feeding, resulting in ulcer formation.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

The clinical features of cyathostomosis are relatively non-specific and confirming a diagnosis may be difficult. Faecal egg counts may not be useful as large numbers of eggs in the faeces do not always indcate a pathological worm burden. Affected horses may show the following abnormalities on haematology and biochemistry:

The clinical features of cyathostomosis are relatively non-specific and confirming a diagnosis may be difficult. Faecal egg counts may not be useful as large numbers of eggs in the faeces do not always indicate a pathological worm burden. Affected horses may show the following abnormalities on haematology and biochemistry:

==Prevention==

==Prevention==

Good grazing management such as regular manure removal, harrowing, pasture rotation and grazing horses with ruminants all aid in reducing cyathostomin pasture contamination. Anthemlintic programs should only be used as an adjunct to good hygiene and management practices.  

Good grazing management such as regular manure removal, harrowing, pasture rotation and grazing horses with ruminants all aid in reducing cyathostomin pasture contamination. Anthelmintic programs should only be used as an adjunct to good hygiene and management practices.