Related Experiment Videos
Long-term prospects for horses with grass sickness (dysautonomia)
D L Doxey1, E M Milne, J Ellison
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian.
The Veterinary Record
|April 9, 1998
Summary
Chronic grass sickness (dysautonomia) in horses can be overcome, with most animals returning to strenuous work and normal life. Owners found the recovery effort worthwhile despite slow progress and extra work involved.
Area of Science:
- Equine Medicine
- Animal Neurology
Background:
- Chronic grass sickness, also known as dysautonomia, is a debilitating condition affecting horses.
- Previous opinions suggested a poor prognosis for animals diagnosed with this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term outcomes and quality of life for horses treated for chronic grass sickness.
- To evaluate owner perceptions of recovery and treatment efforts.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based survey was distributed to owners of 31 horses or ponies diagnosed with chronic grass sickness.
- Data collected focused on the animals' ability to perform strenuous work, weight recovery, and overall return to normal life.
Main Results:
- Contrary to prior beliefs, the majority of surveyed horses regained lost weight and could perform strenuous work.
- Most animals returned to a normal life, with only minor residual issues like difficulty with dry food.
- Recovery was a slow process requiring significant owner commitment.
Conclusions:
- Horses treated for chronic grass sickness can achieve a good quality of life and return to strenuous activities.
- Owner-reported outcomes indicate that the intensive recovery process is considered worthwhile.
- The findings challenge previous assumptions about the long-term prognosis of equine dysautonomia.