The distribution of inhibited early third stage Cyathostominae larvae in the large intestine of the horse.

Abstract

The distribution of inhibited early third stage Cyathostominae larvae in different parts of the large intestine of the horse was studied in 20 Shetland ponies necropsied in autumn 1982, 1983 and 1984. The location of the larvae in the large intestinal wall was studied by histological examination of the intestines of the eight ponies from 1984. Inhibited larvae were located predominantly and more or less equally in the caecum and the ventral colon. Generally fewer early L3 were in the dorsal colon. In 1984 a considerable proportion (mean 17%, range 9.7-36.9%) of the inhibited larvae was found in the contents instead of in the mucosa of the large intestine, despite a housing period under helminth free conditions of 5 weeks. These larvae probably had been overlooked in 1982 and 1983. In sections cut from the intestinal wall most early L3 were found in the lamina propria. They were surrounded by a small fibrous capsule. Some were found in the lumen or epithelium of the Lieberkühn's crypts and a small proportion in the submucosa.