Grass Sickness
Geographical spread
Originally only found in Scotland, it has now spread to the rest of the UK and to other countries.
Cause
Although the precise cause of the disease is still unknown, some toxic damage occurs in the nervous system, especially that supplying the digestive tract. A definitive diagnosis can only be made by finding characteristic microscopic changes in the nerves along the intestine. Despite the uncertainty as to the cause of grass sickness, certain fields have a higher incidence of the disease, and cases often occur after horses have been grazing in cold, wet spring conditions.
Symptoms
The sickness causes weight loss over a number of weeks. Some horses recover naturally from this form of the disease. More acutely all bowel movement ceases. The stomach becomes full of greenish fluid, but the rest of the intestinal contents becomes hard and dry. The horse is not able to swallow, and it may stand drooling over its water. Muscle twitching can often been seen, especially over the schoulders and neck.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure. In less acute cases, cisapride can be used to maitain bowel movement and this may keep the horse alive long enough for it to overcome the disease itself. Nevertheless, acute cases are almost invariably fatal.
