Changes

*** There is an abrupt change in the [[Large Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|large intestine]], where no fluid is present.

*** There is an abrupt change in the [[Large Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|large intestine]], where no fluid is present.

**** [[Large Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|large intestine]] has very dry mucoid contents.

**** [[Large Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|large intestine]] has very dry mucoid contents.

* '''Pathogenesis'''

===Pathogenesis===

** Due to functional obstruction at ileocaecal valve and a degree of paralytic ileus of the [[Small Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|small intestine]].

** Due to functional obstruction at ileocaecal valve and a degree of paralytic ileus of the [[Small Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|small intestine]].

** The exact cause is unknown, but a type of bacterial or fungal toxin which may damage autonomic nervous system ganglia may be involved.

** The exact cause is unknown, but a type of bacterial or fungal toxin which may damage autonomic nervous system ganglia may be involved.

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.

[[Category:Intestine_-_Functional_Obstruction]][[Category:Horse]]

[[Category:Intestine_-_Functional_Obstruction]][[Category:Horse]]

[[Category:Medical_Colic_in_the_Horse]][[Category:To_Do_-_lizzyk]]

[[Category:Medical_Colic_in_the_Horse]][[Category:To_Do_-_lizzyk]]