Small Strongyles (Cyathostomes): Mystery and Myths

Introduction Although the scientific understanding of small strongyles as they affect horses is increasing, much still remains to be learned. The significance of the different life stages of small strongyles is poorly understood. Also poorly understood are the effects of the immunological status of the horse and the external environment on the pathogenicity of small strongyles. While there are many hypotheses, relatively little has been documented in well-controlled studies about the effect of the inhibited small strongyles on the horse or the mechanisms by which they may cause disease.