strongylosis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowSpecialist / Technical
Quick answer
What does “strongylosis” mean?
A disease in animals, especially horses and livestock, caused by infection with parasitic roundworms of the genus Strongylus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A disease in animals, especially horses and livestock, caused by infection with parasitic roundworms of the genus Strongylus.
An infestation of nematode parasites (strongyles) primarily affecting the intestines, caecum, and large colon of equines and other herbivores, leading to symptoms like anaemia, colic, and unthriftiness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage between UK and US veterinary English. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
Technical, clinical, associated with livestock/equine health management.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both dialects, confined to professional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “strongylosis” in a Sentence
The horse developed strongylosis.Strongylosis is caused by nematodes.The vet diagnosed strongylosis.Treatment targets the strongylosis.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strongylosis” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The strongylotic lesion was identified post-mortem.
American English
- Strongylotic damage to the intestinal mucosa was extensive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in veterinary science papers, parasitology textbooks, and animal health research.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside of farm or stable management conversations.
Technical
The primary context: veterinary diagnosis, animal health reports, parasitology manuals, and livestock husbandry guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “strongylosis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “strongylosis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strongylosis”
- Misspelling as 'strongyosis', 'strongilosis', or 'strongylosus'. Confusing it with 'strongyloidiasis' (a different human nematode infection). Using it as a general term for any worm infection.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Strongylosis refers specifically to infection by parasites of the genus Strongylus and related strongyles, which are almost exclusively veterinary pathogens affecting equines and other herbivores. A similar-sounding human disease is strongyloidiasis, caused by a different nematode (Strongyloides stercoralis).
Symptoms can include weight loss, diarrhoea, colic, anaemia (pale mucous membranes), lethargy, poor coat condition, and in severe cases, death. Larval stages can cause damage to blood vessels and intestinal tissues.
Yes, with anthelmintic (deworming) drugs such as ivermectin, moxidectin, or fenbendazole. However, management through pasture hygiene, rotational grazing, and targeted treatment based on faecal egg counts is critical to control drug resistance.
Primarily through microscopic examination of faecal samples to detect parasite eggs (faecal egg count). Larval culture may be used to identify the genus. Clinical signs, history, and sometimes blood tests for anaemia support the diagnosis.
A disease in animals, especially horses and livestock, caused by infection with parasitic roundworms of the genus Strongylus.
Strongylosis is usually specialist / technical in register.
Strongylosis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstrɒn.dʒɪˈləʊ.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstrɑːn.dʒɪˈloʊ.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: STRONG Y LOWS the horse's health – STRONGYLE worms cause an illness (-OSIS) that brings the animal low.
Conceptual Metaphor
INVASION / INFESTATION (parasites as invaders colonising a host).
Practice
Quiz
Strongylosis is most specifically associated with which animal?