Small Strongyles (Cyathostomes)

Lifecycle: After a horse swallows small strongyle larvae, they burrow into the intestinal wall, mature and emerge into the large intestine where they feed and lay eggs. Eggs are passed in manure and develop into infective larvae in the grass.

How It Gets Into Your Horse: Small strongyle larvae are swallowed as your horse eats infected grass.

Dangers If Left Untreated: Horses severely infected with small strongyles can suffer weight loss, diarrhea and colic.