GRASS STAGGERS Meaning and
Definition
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Grass staggers, also known as the ryegrass staggers or simply staggers, is a neurological disorder that affects grazing animals, particularly horses and livestock, after ingesting certain species of fungal-infected pastures, typically dominated by perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). The condition is characterized by uncoordinated movements, tremors, and muscle spasms, primarily in the hind limbs, which can progress to the entire body.
The name "grass staggers" comes from the affected animals' unsteady gait or staggering appearance. The disease is caused by the presence of endophytic fungi, such as Neotyphodium lolii, which produce alkaloids. These alkaloids, specifically the so-called "tremorgenic" alkaloids, interfere with the normal functioning of the central nervous system, affecting the transmission of signals between nerves and muscles.
The symptoms of grass staggers can vary in severity, ranging from mild unsteadiness to severe muscle spasms and collapse. They often worsen with exercise or excitement. In some cases, affected animals may also exhibit other signs such as depression, weight loss, and heightened sensitivity to sound and touch.
Treatment for grass staggers typically involves removing the animals from the contaminated pasture and providing supportive care. This may include administration of medications to control the tremors and muscle spasms. Prevention is essential, and it usually involves carefully managing the grazing patterns and ensuring a diverse forage diet, reducing the reliance on fungal-infected pastures.
In summary, grass staggers is a neurological disorder affecting grazing animals, caused by the ingestion of fungal-infected pastures containing certain alkaloids. Prompt removal from contaminated pasture and supportive care are crucial for the management of the condition.
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Loco poisoning in horses.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GRASS STAGGERS
- grass staggebs
- grass staggezs
- grass staggevs
- grass staggeps
- grass staggess
- grass stagger3
- grass staggerc
- grass staggerq
- grass staggerr
- g rass staggers
- gr ass staggers
- gra ss staggers
- gras s staggers
- grass s taggers
- grass st aggers
- grass sta ggers
- grass stag gers
- grass stagg ers
- grass stagge rs
- grass stagger s
Etymology of GRASS STAGGERS
The term "grass staggers" is a colloquial term used to describe a condition called "equine dysautonomia" or "grass sickness". It primarily affects horses and is characterized by a dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system. The etymology of the term itself is straightforward.
1. Grass: Refers to the primary cause of the condition, which is the horse's ingestion of grass. The exact reason why horses develop this condition from eating grass is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to specific toxins in the grass or soil, as well as factors such as changes in bacterial populations in the gut.
2. Staggers: This term is used to describe the symptoms presented by the affected horses. "Staggers" generally refers to the lack of coordination, unsteadiness, and staggering gait displayed by the animals.
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