Spasmodic colic accounts for a large proportion of colic cases seen in first-opinion practice, however, little is known about its causes. It generally produces a mild colic, due to increased [[peristaltis|peristaltic]] activity in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cases are usually easily resolved by treating with a [[spasmolytic]] such as [[Buscopan]], and a mild [[analgesic]] such as [[phenylbutazone]].
=====[[Grass Sickness]]=====
=====[[Grass Sickness]]=====
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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.