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Grass Sickness (view source)

Revision as of 16:03, 23 July 2010

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==Diagnosis==

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Ante-mortm diagnosis of the disease is difficult because changes are confined to the gastro-intestinal tract.

===Clinical signs===

*Depression

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===Biopsy===

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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,

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

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*** 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.

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~~===Pathogenesis===~~

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

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

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

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* A similar condition seen in hares

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

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

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Eknowles

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