Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, also known as simply EMP, is the name of a disease that occurs in horses. EPM in horses is the result of a protozoal infection in the central nervous system of these animals. A doctor named Jim Rooney first discovered it in the mid twentieth century.
EPM has long been considered a rare disease. However, recent years have shown an increase in the amount of cases. Researchers conducted studies at University of Kentucky. They concluded their studies with the result that opossum is the host for this disease.
The cause of this disease is parasites Neospora hughesi and Sarcocystis neurona. The life cycle of Neospora hughesi is not known. However, there is more known about Sarcocystis neurona. In order for this parasite to complete its life cycle, it requires two hosts. One must be the intermediate and the other the definitive. In laboratories, cats, skunks, raccoons, sea otters and armadillos have all been shown to be hosts, of the intermediate type.
Opossum is recognized as the host for this disease. Typically the parasite is contracted by horses who graze or water in areas nearby defecation of possums. The animals cannot pass EPM along alone, which is to say that an uninfected horse cannot contract it from an infected animal. The animal is known as an aberrant of these parasites.
There are many different symptoms and signs associated with this disease. Weakness, incoordination and spasticity are common signs. Although symptoms are known to vary and may mimic many different neurological disorders. Overall, problems are either primary or secondary. Some issues are less easy to classify. Snoring, laryngeal hemiplegia, focal or generalized muscle atrophy, and snoring are other potential warning signs.
Little is known about how the Sarcocystis neurona actually enters into the CNS of the animal. Still, it is believed that it infects the white blood cells so that it can cross into the blood brain barrier. This disease can be treated, but in some cases, horses may experience irreversible system damage.
It is essential that the disease be diagnosed as early as possible to allow for quick treatment through use of antiprotozoal drugs. To date, two FDA-approved treatments are available in the United States for this issue: Protazil and Marquis. To limit damage to the CNS of the animal and reduce inflammation, anti-inflammatory medicine may be given. Use of antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, can help restore nervous tissue. To control this disease, horse owners are encouraged to properly store feed and hay, control opossums on a property and promptly dispose of animal carcasses. There is currently no vaccine available.
EPM in horses is typically rare. Jim Rooney initially discovered this disease, which attacks the central nervous system of the animals, during the 1960s. The condition is caused by two parasites. There are many different signs and symptoms to be aware of for proper diagnosis. Horses that are treated early can be completely healed, although sometimes irreversible damage is done to the nervous system.
EPM has long been considered a rare disease. However, recent years have shown an increase in the amount of cases. Researchers conducted studies at University of Kentucky. They concluded their studies with the result that opossum is the host for this disease.
The cause of this disease is parasites Neospora hughesi and Sarcocystis neurona. The life cycle of Neospora hughesi is not known. However, there is more known about Sarcocystis neurona. In order for this parasite to complete its life cycle, it requires two hosts. One must be the intermediate and the other the definitive. In laboratories, cats, skunks, raccoons, sea otters and armadillos have all been shown to be hosts, of the intermediate type.
Opossum is recognized as the host for this disease. Typically the parasite is contracted by horses who graze or water in areas nearby defecation of possums. The animals cannot pass EPM along alone, which is to say that an uninfected horse cannot contract it from an infected animal. The animal is known as an aberrant of these parasites.
There are many different symptoms and signs associated with this disease. Weakness, incoordination and spasticity are common signs. Although symptoms are known to vary and may mimic many different neurological disorders. Overall, problems are either primary or secondary. Some issues are less easy to classify. Snoring, laryngeal hemiplegia, focal or generalized muscle atrophy, and snoring are other potential warning signs.
Little is known about how the Sarcocystis neurona actually enters into the CNS of the animal. Still, it is believed that it infects the white blood cells so that it can cross into the blood brain barrier. This disease can be treated, but in some cases, horses may experience irreversible system damage.
It is essential that the disease be diagnosed as early as possible to allow for quick treatment through use of antiprotozoal drugs. To date, two FDA-approved treatments are available in the United States for this issue: Protazil and Marquis. To limit damage to the CNS of the animal and reduce inflammation, anti-inflammatory medicine may be given. Use of antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, can help restore nervous tissue. To control this disease, horse owners are encouraged to properly store feed and hay, control opossums on a property and promptly dispose of animal carcasses. There is currently no vaccine available.
EPM in horses is typically rare. Jim Rooney initially discovered this disease, which attacks the central nervous system of the animals, during the 1960s. The condition is caused by two parasites. There are many different signs and symptoms to be aware of for proper diagnosis. Horses that are treated early can be completely healed, although sometimes irreversible damage is done to the nervous system.
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