Changes

In chronic cases where the neuronal degeneration is very mild and supportive management is successful 40% of horses have been reported to return to excercise. Recovery is slow, 6-8 weeks of supportive therapy is needed during which clinical signs persist but it may take up to a year for horses to return to work and they will be predisposed to future problems of oesophageal choke and dysphagia.  

In chronic cases where the neuronal degeneration is very mild and supportive management is successful 40% of horses have been reported to return to excercise. Recovery is slow, 6-8 weeks of supportive therapy is needed during which clinical signs persist but it may take up to a year for horses to return to work and they will be predisposed to future problems of oesophageal choke and dysphagia.  

Supportive treatment in approapriate cases consists of IV fluid therapy and feeding by stomach tube and liquid parafin in the early stages of the disease, however horses with a chance of making a recovery do not usually require these treatments. A diet high in energy and protein that is easy to swallow should be given in small quantities at frequent intervals. Short walks in hand with increasing lenths at pasture will aid gut motility and prevent boredom. Other measures to improve the comfort of the horse include regular grooming, cleaning around the eyes and removal of nasal crusting.

Supportive treatment in appropriate cases consists of IV fluid therapy and feeding by stomach tube and liquid parafin in the early stages of the disease, however horses with a chance of making a recovery do not usually require these treatments. A diet high in energy and protein that is easy to swallow should be given in small quantities at frequent intervals. Short walks in hand with increasing lengths at pasture will aid gut motility and prevent boredom. Other measures to improve the comfort of the horse include regular grooming, cleaning around the eyes and removal of nasal crusting.

Episodes of mlid colic should be managed approapriately with nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs such as phenylbutazone or flunixin meglumine.   

Episodes of mild colic should be managed appropriately with non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs such as phenylbutazone or flunixin meglumine.   

Progress should be monitored regularly by reassessing clinical signs, body weight and quality of life.      

Progress should be monitored regularly by reassessing clinical signs, body weight and quality of life.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==