Changes

==Description==

==Description==

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. The condition may occur acutely, or progress chronically over several weeks, but is fatal in all cases.  

==Signalment==  

==Signalment==  

*Reduced faecal output

*Reduced faecal output

*Hypersalivation

*Hypersalivation

** Degenerative lesions are seen in the autonomic nerve ganglia, including enteric plexuses

A definitive diagnosis is obtained by taking an ileal biopsy, and inspecting the intrinsic myenteric plexus. Degenerative lesions are seen in the autonomic nerve ganglia,

===Pathology===

===Pathology===

*** ''[[Clostridium botulinum]]'' is thought to be involved.   

*** ''[[Clostridium botulinum]]'' is thought to be involved.   

* A similar condition seen in hares

* A similar condition seen in hares

 

   

* 'Diagnosis'''  

** At post mortem look for degenerative changes in coeliaco-mesenteric ganglia -  need to examine histologically.   

** At post mortem look for degenerative changes in coeliaco-mesenteric ganglia -  need to examine histologically.   

*** Ganglia are peanut sized and found in perirenal fat between adrenal gland and the aorta.

*** Ganglia are peanut sized and found in perirenal fat between adrenal gland and the aorta.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Prompt euthanasia is indicated in acute and per acute cases, some chronic cases can be managed with intensive nursing care for a limited time period.  

There is no effective treatment, prompt euthanasia is indicated in acute and per acute cases, some chronic cases can be managed with intensive nursing care for a limited time period.  

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==