Equine grass sickness, or equine [[dysautonomia]] causes a paralysis of the gastro-intestinal tract, by disruption of the [[autonomic nervous system]]. This leads to a pooling of ingesta throughout all parts of the gastro-intestinal tract. The condition may occur acutely, or progress chronically over several weeks, but all cases will eventually die. A definitive diagnosis is obtained by taking an ileal [[biopsy]], and inspecting the intrinsic [[myenteric plexus]]. There is no effective treatment, although in the short to medium term, horses can be successfully managed by informed and attentive owners. | Equine grass sickness, or equine [[dysautonomia]] causes a paralysis of the gastro-intestinal tract, by disruption of the [[autonomic nervous system]]. This leads to a pooling of ingesta throughout all parts of the gastro-intestinal tract. The condition may occur acutely, or progress chronically over several weeks, but all cases will eventually die. A definitive diagnosis is obtained by taking an ileal [[biopsy]], and inspecting the intrinsic [[myenteric plexus]]. There is no effective treatment, although in the short to medium term, horses can be successfully managed by informed and attentive owners. |