Other tests that can be helpful in diagnosing the condition include x-rays of the oesophagus, using contrast to assess the horse’s ability to swallow, and the application of phenylephrine eye drops into the horse’s eyes.


Prevention


Prevention of the disease is difficult because it is not easy to predict when the disease is likely to occur. General recommendations which may be helpful include gradual introduction into new pastures, avoiding turnout in pastures aſter recent soil disturbances, offering additional hay to your horse when turned out (especially when grass levels are low), and trying to avoid stressful events. If there has been a history of a grass sickness case in a particular pasture then it is especially important that young horses are not suddenly turned out into these areas. Horses do seem to acquire some resistance to the disease and older horses are less commonly affected.


Extensive research into EGS is continuing, with the hope that a way to prevent the disease will become available.


Further information can be found at www.grasssickness.org.uk


Positive phenylephrine eye test. The eyelashes of the right eye are pointing downwards. The eyelashes of the leſt eye are in a normal horizontal position aſter the application of phenylephrine eye drops. Image: Rossdales LLP


Treatment


EGS is usually a fatal condition in horses. Invariably all horses that are diagnosed with the acute and subacute forms of the disease will die or have to be euthanised on humane grounds. Some horses diagnosed with chronic EGS will survive, but they will need prolonged intensive nursing and veterinary care. Their survival is largely determined by the severity of the nerve damage and the associated complications. Consequently, even with the best care, a horse may not survive.


For more information about Rossdales, visit www.rossdales.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


Vet Profile Emily F. Haggett BVSc DipACVIM MRCVS


Emily is an RCVS recognised Specialist in Equine Medicine (Internal Medicine) and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.


She joined Rossdales in 2009 as a member of the internal medicine team at Rossdales Equine Hospital and became a partner in 2016.


A horse with chronic grass sickness, receiving fluids at Rossdales Equine Hospital. These cases will require intensive nursing and veterinary care. Image: Rossdales LLP


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Emily's main role is working within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in addition to working within the internal medicine department, where she sees a large number of medical cases annually. She has completed a number of research projects related to neonatal foal conditions and has published and lectured widely on the subject.


THE SUMMER SPECIAL 2020


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