Post by IH Health on Feb 20, 2009 16:36:00 GMT 1
Grass Sickness
What is it?
Grass Sickness is an equine disease where the nervous system is damaged which control involuntary functions such as muscles and gut control. Many horses suffer from gut paralysis among other symptoms. The first outbreak was in 1907 in Scotland – since then the incidence of the illness has increased in most parts of England and Wales with cases in Eastern England seemingly more prevalent. It is non contagious.
Types
Acute Grass Sickness – symptoms come on quickly and severely often ending in fatality
Sub Acute – less severe symptoms and stomach less likely to fill with fluid but mild/moderate colic present. – 50/50 chance of survival
Chronic – Slow onset of symptoms with mild, intermittent colic.
Causes
The cause of Grass Sickness is still not widely understood although it is accepted that there is a toxin involved. Some think that it is a bacteria that is in the mud or grass, other theories include plants, chemicals, over worming, insects, viruses or dietary deficiencies. Research into GS has taken place for over 100 years and still no definitive link can be made. Current research includes work on a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, links to the illness and a Selenium deficincy and links to white clover (which can produce cyanide). It is thought that stressed horses or overweight horses can be more predisposed to the condition.
Symptoms
Symptom strength will depend on the type of grass sickness
• Colic
• Sweating
• Muscle Tremors
• Rapid Weight Loss
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Constipation
• Drooling Saliva (severe cases)
• Distended stomach (severe cases)
• Nasal discharge (severe cases)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is difficult and technically can only be diagnosed after death by testing the small intestine or examining nerve ganglia. Blood tests such as cortisol, haptoglobin and catecholamines and review of the peritoneal fluid can be used along with the clinical signs to provide an interim diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment for acute and sub acute cases is not normally considered due to the pain the horse may be in but is down to each vet to decide with the owner. High energy food is encouraged for chronic cases, along with chopped vegetables and easy to swallow foods such as grass soaked in molasses. The main aim of treatment is to keep the system ticking over with nutrients to encourage the gut to start moving and reducing emaciation. It is well recognised that horses suffering from grass sickness require constant nursing and frequent contact with humans. Frequent grooming is recommended to stop the coat from getting matted and sore. In some cases a fleece rug may help. Manuka honey has been used in successful rehabilitation of horses. There are drugs such as Cisapride that are sometimes used also.
Websites (click on title for link)
The Equine Grass Sickness Fund
Horse Active
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
Surviving Grass Sickness
Grass Sickness
Grass Sickness and Clover
Clover in fields – getting rid of
Grass Sickness
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
What is it?
Grass Sickness is an equine disease where the nervous system is damaged which control involuntary functions such as muscles and gut control. Many horses suffer from gut paralysis among other symptoms. The first outbreak was in 1907 in Scotland – since then the incidence of the illness has increased in most parts of England and Wales with cases in Eastern England seemingly more prevalent. It is non contagious.
Types
Acute Grass Sickness – symptoms come on quickly and severely often ending in fatality
Sub Acute – less severe symptoms and stomach less likely to fill with fluid but mild/moderate colic present. – 50/50 chance of survival
Chronic – Slow onset of symptoms with mild, intermittent colic.
Causes
The cause of Grass Sickness is still not widely understood although it is accepted that there is a toxin involved. Some think that it is a bacteria that is in the mud or grass, other theories include plants, chemicals, over worming, insects, viruses or dietary deficiencies. Research into GS has taken place for over 100 years and still no definitive link can be made. Current research includes work on a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, links to the illness and a Selenium deficincy and links to white clover (which can produce cyanide). It is thought that stressed horses or overweight horses can be more predisposed to the condition.
Symptoms
Symptom strength will depend on the type of grass sickness
• Colic
• Sweating
• Muscle Tremors
• Rapid Weight Loss
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Constipation
• Drooling Saliva (severe cases)
• Distended stomach (severe cases)
• Nasal discharge (severe cases)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is difficult and technically can only be diagnosed after death by testing the small intestine or examining nerve ganglia. Blood tests such as cortisol, haptoglobin and catecholamines and review of the peritoneal fluid can be used along with the clinical signs to provide an interim diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment for acute and sub acute cases is not normally considered due to the pain the horse may be in but is down to each vet to decide with the owner. High energy food is encouraged for chronic cases, along with chopped vegetables and easy to swallow foods such as grass soaked in molasses. The main aim of treatment is to keep the system ticking over with nutrients to encourage the gut to start moving and reducing emaciation. It is well recognised that horses suffering from grass sickness require constant nursing and frequent contact with humans. Frequent grooming is recommended to stop the coat from getting matted and sore. In some cases a fleece rug may help. Manuka honey has been used in successful rehabilitation of horses. There are drugs such as Cisapride that are sometimes used also.
Websites (click on title for link)
The Equine Grass Sickness Fund
Horse Active
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
Surviving Grass Sickness
Grass Sickness
Grass Sickness and Clover
Clover in fields – getting rid of
Grass Sickness
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
