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Grass Sickness
The national and equine press has reported an increase in the What time of year are they most at risk?
number of cases of grass sickness over the past couple of Grass sickness cases have been reported at all times of the year
months. The articles suggested that owners should be vigilant but most are seen between April and May. It is suggested that
to the clinical signs of this very serious disease. This article weather conditions at this time of the year supports the
aims to outline our current understanding of grass sickness. causative agent of the disease.
What is grass sickness? Are their any predisposing factors?
Grass sickness is a disease of horses, ponies and donkeys in Grass sickness as its name suggest is strongly associated with
which parts of the nervous system that control movement of grazing. A few cases have occurred in horses with no access to
the gut are damaged. This means that the gut can't work grass but grazing remains the highest risk factor. It is well
properly. Grass sickness occurs in three main forms, acute, sub recognised that individual premises or even fields on a premises
acute and chronic. Grass sickness is not a new disease and was are associated with the development of grass sickness cases.
first identified in Scotland 100 years ago. Great Britain has the There is no information however that types of pasture (old
highest incidence of grass sickness in the world and the disease pasture, horse sick pasture etc.) alters the risk.
has been reported in most areas of England, Scotland and
Wales. Eastern areas of the country are particularly at risk. Horses new to premises (less than 2 months) appear to be at
increased risk. Stress also seems to increase the risk such as
What causes grass sickness? castration, breaking long journeys etc.
The exact cause of grass sickness is currently unknown and the
subject of considerable current research. The currently What are the clinical signs?
favoured theory under investigation is the possible involvement The clinical signs are due to the partial or complete paralysis of
of Clostridium botulinum, a soil associated bacteria. It is the digestive tract. In acute grass sickness the signs are most
suggested that this bacteria produces a toxin that damages the severe. Affected animals have difficulty swallowing and drool
horses gut nervous system. saliva. Gut paralysis results in signs of colic. The stomach
becomes distended with fluid that may result in foul smelling
What type of horses can be affected? reflux from the horses nose. Further down the gut
Grass sickness has been reported in all breeds. A case has even constipation occurs. Any faeces past are small, hard and
been confirmed in a captive zebra. Grass sickness can basically covered in a 'cheesy' mucous. Horses with acute grass sickness
occur in any horse, pony or donkey that that has access to often have patchy sweating and muscle tremors. This form of
grass. Any age can be affected but the disease is most common the disease is always fatal and cases should be put down
in the 2 to 7 year age group. The lower incidence in older following diagnosis.
horses is unclear but suggests that horses may develop a degree
of resistance to the disease.
Hot Lane Farm Hot Lane Biddulph Moor Staffordshire ST8 7HP
Tel 01782 510502 - 24Hr Emergency Service Fax 01782 510508 Email admin@horsevets.co.uk
www.horsevets.co.uk
Grass Sickness
Sub acute cases show symptoms similar to acute grass sickness spring and early summer to reduce the likelihood of disease.
but the signs are less severe. Sub acute cases have difficulty Stabling is particularly advisable for a new horse that has
swallowing but may be able to consume small amounts of moved onto premises where the disease is known to occur. If
food. They generally show mild to moderate colic, sweating, a case occurs amongst a group of horses it is probably sensible
muscle tremors and rapid weight loss. These cases also to move the other horses out of that field provided this does
require euthanasia. not cause too much stress regarding transportation.
In chronic grass sickness the symptoms come on more slowly I hope this article has been useful. If you have any questions
and only some cases show mild colic. The appetite is reduced ask one of our vets. We are lucky as we do not live in a grass
with varying degrees in difficulty in swallowing. sickness 'hot spot.' We do see cases but rarely.
Accumulation of excessive fluid in the stomach and severe
constipation are not a feature. An important symptom is
weight loss. Chronic grass sickness cases loose weight rapidly
sometimes to the point of emaciation.
Can cases be treated?
Cases of acute and sub acute grass sickness should not be
considered for treatment. Some chronic cases are suitable for
treatment. If the animal is in minimal pain, can eat at least a
small amount of food and is still interested in life treatment
can be attempted. Treatment is basically nursing and tender
loving care. Cases are fed palatable high energy food and
stimulated with regular human contact and grooming etc.
Recovery takes time and requires a real commitment from
owners. The good news is that most survivors recover
sufficiently to return to work. Do remember that of all the
cases that suffer from grass sickness the number that are
suitable for treatment is small.
Can grass sickness be prevented?
It is difficult to give sound advice regarding prevention when
we do not know the cause of the disease. In areas where the
disease is prevalent it is probably sensible to stable horses in
Hot Lane Farm Hot Lane Biddulph Moor Staffordshire ST8 7HP
Tel 01782 510502 - 24Hr Emergency Service Fax 01782 510508 Email admin@horsevets.co.uk
www.horsevets.co.uk
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