Grass Sickness in Horses
Though rare, equine grass sickness is a largely fatal disease affecting horses. Even ponies and donkeys cannot escape this disease. The first case of grass sickness was reported from eastern Scotland in 1907. Grass sickness is a neurological disorder affecting the central, peripheral and the enteric nervous systems. The digestive system is directly affected causing it to become paralyised. Slowly the entire body is affected. Three forms of grass sickness are identified
Acute Grass Sickness where horses exhibit signs of colic and sometimes demand euthanasia.
Subacute grass sickness has similar signs as that of acute grass sickness, but less severe in nature.
Chronic grass sickness display signs of severe and rapid weight loss. Very few such cases survive.
Signs common to all forms grass sickness include anorexia, depression, colic, constipation, excess salvation, muscle tremors, patchy sweating and drooping of eyelids.
Causes of grass sickness
Despite years of investigation, the exact cause of grass sickness is yet to be discovered. Horse owners usually cite the reason of mineral and vitamin deficiencies which may lead to grass sickness.
Way in which the nervous system is damaged, it is suggestive of the presence of toxins.
A recent investigation carried out has proved the soil borne bacterium Clostrodium botulinum, type C to be responsible for this disease. Concentration of this bacterium in the horse’s intestine increases the risk of grass sickness.
The symptoms discussed above might not be visible in all horses, so an accurate diagnosis should be conducted in order to carry out proper treatment. A microscopic examination of nerve ganglia can be a certain method of grass sickness diagnosis. Another test involves application of phenylephrine eye drops which reverses the drooping eyelids visible in grass sickness.
Treatment
Though it is rather difficult to treat grass sickness, and most cases demand euthanasia, certain drugs are available which can provide some relief to horses in pain. The drugs include
Painkillers
Cases showing mild to moderate discomfort, often after eating can be treated with painkillers. However the advice of the vet must be sought before taking any step.
Appetite stimulants
Cases which exhibit poor appetite in spite of the horse swallowing food, appetite stimulants can be made use of. Vet’s prior permission is a must.
Lubricants
Lubricants can be used to treat grass sickness. Liquid paraffin can be given with the help of a stomach tube in the early stages. Nursing is very much essential for a horse suffering from grass sickness.
Preventing grass sickness becomes a little difficult unless and until the exact cause is detected. However, the risk of a horse developing grass sickness can be reduced. The process involves the following steps.
· Minimizing exposure to pastures from where previous grass sickness cases have been reported.
· Try and minimize any kind of pasture or soil disturbance.
· Reduce soil exposure like close grazing or poaching of fields.
· Avoid sudden changes in diet.
· Co-graze horses with cattle or sheep.
· Grass cutting at pastures should be carried out at a regular basis.
· Feeding hay to the grazing animals.
Diseases are bound to attack animals. It is rather difficult to avoid them, but preventing diseases are always possible. The above article discusses everything about grass sickness in details and provides a quick insight.