Changes

==Description==

==Description==

Equine grass sickness 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 invariably fatal. The aeitology is unknown but an ingested neurotoxin appears to be involved. The neurotoxic is absorbed from the intestinal tract and selectively binds to the autonomic nerve terminals resulting in degeneration and loss of neurons.

'''Equine grass sickness''' 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 invariably fatal. The aeitology is unknown but an ingested neurotoxin appears to be involved. The neurotoxic is absorbed from the intestinal tract and selectively binds to the autonomic nerve terminals resulting in degeneration and loss of neurons.

==Signalment==  

==Signalment==  

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.

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 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.   

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==

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

In chronic cases where the neuronal degeneration is very mild and supportive management is successful 40% of horses have been reported t o return to excercise.  

In chronic cases where the neuronal degeneration is very mild and supportive management is successful 40% of horses have been reported t o return to excercise.  

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==