The Clinical Presentation of Grass Sickness

Dr. Scott Pirie – Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh

Summary of the clinical signs of grass sickness, associated with the three forms of the disease

ACUTESUBACUTECHRONIC
Depression/somnolence

Distended abdomenIleus (absence of gut sounds)

Tachycardia (high heart rate)

Salivation

Gastric reflux

Muscle tremors

Ptosis (drooping eyelids)

Patchy/generalised sweating

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

Small intestinal distension

Colic (occasionally)

Colon impactions (occasionally)
“Tucked up” abdomen

Weight loss

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

Tachycardia

Colic (as disease progresses)

Gastric reflux (as disease progresses)

Patchy sweating

Ptosis (drooping eyelids)

Muscle tremors

Colon impaction

Reduced gut motility

Rhinitis sicca (dried and inflamed nasal passages)
Severe weight loss

Markedly “tucked up” abdomen

Base narrow stance

Rhinitis sicca (inflamed nasal passages)

Ptosis (drooping eyelids)

Slightly elevated heart rate (< 60 bpm usually)

Muscle tremors

Patchy sweating

Mild colic

Reduced gut motility

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