Changes

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

All horses may be affected but most are less than five years old. Disease commonly occurs in late winter or early spring. A history of an unthrifty or 'poor do-ing' young horse combined with identifcation of larvae in faeces may arouse clinical suspicion of cyathostomosis. Geriatric animals also have an increased susceptibility.

All horses may be affected but most are less than five years old. Disease commonly occurs in late winter or early spring. A history of an unthrifty or 'poor do-ing' young horse combined with identifcation of larvae in faeces may arouse clinical suspicion of cyathostomosis. Geriatric animals also have an increased susceptibility.  

 

===Clinical Signs===

===Clinical Signs===

* Sudden weight loss

* Sudden weight loss

* Pyrexia

* Pyrexia

Chronic disease:

Chronic disease:

Other clinical features of the disease include oedema due to a protein-losing enteropathy. Emergence of larvae from the intestinal wall may lead to haemorrhagic colitis. 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 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.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Large numbers of thread-like larvae in faeces The clinical features of cyathostomosis are relatively non-specific so diagnosis may not be straightforward. Faecal egg counts may not be useful as the disease manifests due to the presence of larvae.  

Large numbers of thread-like larvae in faeces The clinical features of cyathostomosis are relatively non-specific so diagnosis may not be straightforward. Faecal egg counts may not be useful as the disease results from the presence of larvae.  

 

==Laboratory tests==

==Laboratory tests==

* Hypoalbuminaemia

* Hypoalbuminaemia

Gross examination of faeces may reveal bright red fourth or fifth stage larvae, and 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.

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

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

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

==Pathology==

==Pathology==

Post mortem examination of the large intestine may reveal larvae in the mucosa, seen as small grey to red mucosal nodules (the characteristic 'pepper-pot' lesions seen with the disease). Mass emergence results in mucosal erosions, ulcers and fibrinous exudate. A catarrhal and haemorrhagic colitis and typhlitis may be seen, with hyperaemia or necrosis of the tissue. In chronic cases, thickening of the intestinal wall may be present. Adult worms (approximately 1.5cm in length) may be seen within the intestinal lumen.  

Post mortem examination of the large intestine may reveal larvae in the mucosa, seen as small grey to red mucosal nodules (the characteristic 'pepper-pot' lesion). Mass emergence results in mucosal erosions, ulcers and fibrinous exudate. A catarrhal and haemorrhagic colitis and typhlitis may be seen, with hyperaemia or necrosis of the tissue. In chronic cases, thickening of the intestinal wall may be present. Adult worms (approximately 1.5cm in length) may be seen within the intestinal lumen.  

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Treatment is indicated for faecal egg counts > 200 eggs/gram. Cyathostomins are widely resistant to anthelmintics, particularly benzimidazoles. Moxidectin PO is effective against these resistant strains and also against encysted larvae.  Refractory cases may benefit from concurrent corticosteroid therapy with prednisolone. Twice-weekly removal of manure from pastures is recommended.  

Treatment is indicated for faecal egg counts greater than 200 eggs/gram. Cyathostomins are widely resistant to anthelmintics, particularly benzimidazoles. Moxidectin PO is effective against these resistant strains and also against encysted larvae.  Refractory cases may benefit from concurrent corticosteroid therapy with prednisolone. Twice-weekly removal of manure from pastures is recommended. Adequate stocking density, grazing management and

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

==Prevention==

==Prevention==

* Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition)''' ''Merial''

* Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition)''' ''Merial''

[[Category:Enteritis,_Ulcerative]][[Category:Horse]][[Category:Enteritis, Parasitic]]

 

** May also be oedema and, if severe, mucosal ulceration.[[Category:Enteritis,_Ulcerative]][[Category:Horse]][[Category:Enteritis, Parasitic]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_SophieIgnarski]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_SophieIgnarski]]