Equine Grass Sickness (Equine Dysautonomia)

This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly.

Equine grass sickness (EGS) is a frequently fatal disease of the nervous system of affected horses, ponies and donkeys. Although EGS has been recognised since the beginning of the 20th Century, research has, as yet, failed to identify a specific cause.

Symptoms

Common in

Treatment

The prognosis is incredibly poor; all acute/subacute cases are incurable and euthanasia on humane groups is unavoidable.

Recovery from the chronic form may be possible, but there is no specific treatment.

Mildly affected chronic cases may respond to intensive nursing care, during which it is important to keep the horse warm and comfortable, maintain grooming and walking, and provide fresh, palatable, easy-to-eat succulent feed.

Prevention

Avoid grazing areas where there have been previous cases of grass sickness or recent soil disturbance, for example, from harrowing. Minimise soil exposure by moving horses before grazing gets too short or fields are poached. Avoid sudden changes to your horse’s diet.