Other Species

A condition similar to EGS has been reported in cats, dogs, wild hares and domestic rabbits. 

In cats the condition is called Key-Gaskell dysautonomia syndrome, first reported in 1982.  This is a rare, but highly fatal disease of cats with similar clinical signs and pathological findings to EGS.  The disease is termed ‘constipative mucoid enteropathy’ in rabbits, and dysautonomia is considered a highly significant cause of mortality in hares. 

There is no evidence of transmission of the disease within species; therefore it is highly unlikely that there is transmission between species.  Cats, dogs, hares and rabbits are therefore not considered to be a risk factor for the development of EGS.

This picture shows an acute grass sickness case in obvious discomfort. Usually with EGS the degree of pain exhibited is low, but acute cases can present with episodes of colic.