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==Signalment==
==Signalment==
Grass sickness cases are restricted to Northwestern Europe and South America with the highest incidence in the UK, in some parts of Eastern Scotland 1% of horses die annualy from the disease.
Cases of Grass sickness are restricted to Northwestern Europe and South America with the highest incidence in the UK, in some parts of Eastern Scotland 1% of horses die annualy from the disease. Young animals, 2-7 years old are predisposed.
The disease occurs in warm wet weather with peak incidences in spring and autumn. Affected horses are usually at pasture, those that have moved pasture within the preceeding two months are also at greater risk.
The disease occurs in warm wet weather with peak incidences in spring and autumn. Affected horses usually live at pasture, those that have moved pasture within the preceeding two months are also at greater risk. In many cases the disease appears to be related to specific pstures or fields with a history of grass sickness affected horses, however it has been reported in animals with none of the usual risk factors.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
** Degenerative lesions are seen in the autonomic nerve ganglia, including enteric plexuses
** Degenerative lesions are seen in the autonomic nerve ganglia, including enteric plexuses
*** This is very unlikely, and the condition is usually fatal.
*** This is very unlikely, and the condition is usually fatal.
** Clinically difficult to diagnose - signs are confined to the gut.
** Clinically difficult to diagnose - signs are confined to the gut.
*** ''[[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
** A definitive diagnosis must be made - if the condition is due to the grazing we need to know.
** A definitive diagnosis must be made - if the condition is due to the grazing we need to know.
*** E.g. if on livery or stud grazing, may put people off going there.
*** E.g. if on livery or stud grazing, may put people off going there.