Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis or EPM in horses is a neurological disease that is caused by a small parasite. The parasite is carried by opossums. Equine are exposed to the disease if they eat feed or drink water which has been contaminated by feces from opossums.
The symptoms related to this disease vary greatly. It is dependent on the part of the nervous system that has suffered the attack. The protozoa that are present could leave the equine with spinal cord or brain stem lesions. This disease occurs most often during the summer and fall months of the year, however the fall appears to be the worst time for infection. The symptoms of the disease develop slowly and could be present in the horse for a few days after the initial infection.
It is quite difficult to diagnose EPM in horses as the symptoms are similar to several other neurological diseases. The symptoms vary from one horse to another and may include muscle atrophy and weakness. The animal may have difficulty in swallowing. The horse may experience a sore back, weakness and lack of co-ordination.
If the equine has a mild form of the disease, it may suffer from slight lameness and mild stumbling. If this is not treated in time, the horse will eventually be unable to stand up or swallow. In severe cases such as these, the horse is at risk of death. The equine may indicate drooping eyelids and a tilted head. The disease can affect horses of any sex, breed or age. The risk is much higher in younger horses and those that are frequently transported.
Prevention of the disease is possible in stables that do not attract opossums as they are the carriers of the disease-causing organism. Opossums are not selective about their eating fancy. They eat virtually anything, including dead animals, horse feed, dog and cat food.
To stop opossums from invading your stables, you should secure all food stores. If you come across animal carcasses on your property, you should bury it as soon as possible. Food spillage should be cleaned up quickly and not left lying on the ground. If you fear opossums may already have invaded your property, you should attempt to trap them in a humane way and relocate them. There is specially designed fencing to keep opossums off your property. This should be considered if opossums are becoming a nuisance on your property and possible danger to your horses.
This is a dangerous disease and horses that show signs of it should be examined by a veterinary specialist as soon as possible. A quick diagnosis and proper veterinary care will allow the horse to recover from the disease. The infection may leave the animal with permanent damage. The vet will normally examine the movement and gait of the equine. It is vital that spinal fluid and blood tests are undertaken to rule out diseases such as viral encephalitis and West Nile virus.
The treatment process for EPM in horses may include a variety of drugs which the veterinary surgeon will administer. The length of the treatment process could be long and expensive. The downside of the lengthy treatment process is that it is not guaranteed to be a success.
The symptoms related to this disease vary greatly. It is dependent on the part of the nervous system that has suffered the attack. The protozoa that are present could leave the equine with spinal cord or brain stem lesions. This disease occurs most often during the summer and fall months of the year, however the fall appears to be the worst time for infection. The symptoms of the disease develop slowly and could be present in the horse for a few days after the initial infection.
It is quite difficult to diagnose EPM in horses as the symptoms are similar to several other neurological diseases. The symptoms vary from one horse to another and may include muscle atrophy and weakness. The animal may have difficulty in swallowing. The horse may experience a sore back, weakness and lack of co-ordination.
If the equine has a mild form of the disease, it may suffer from slight lameness and mild stumbling. If this is not treated in time, the horse will eventually be unable to stand up or swallow. In severe cases such as these, the horse is at risk of death. The equine may indicate drooping eyelids and a tilted head. The disease can affect horses of any sex, breed or age. The risk is much higher in younger horses and those that are frequently transported.
Prevention of the disease is possible in stables that do not attract opossums as they are the carriers of the disease-causing organism. Opossums are not selective about their eating fancy. They eat virtually anything, including dead animals, horse feed, dog and cat food.
To stop opossums from invading your stables, you should secure all food stores. If you come across animal carcasses on your property, you should bury it as soon as possible. Food spillage should be cleaned up quickly and not left lying on the ground. If you fear opossums may already have invaded your property, you should attempt to trap them in a humane way and relocate them. There is specially designed fencing to keep opossums off your property. This should be considered if opossums are becoming a nuisance on your property and possible danger to your horses.
This is a dangerous disease and horses that show signs of it should be examined by a veterinary specialist as soon as possible. A quick diagnosis and proper veterinary care will allow the horse to recover from the disease. The infection may leave the animal with permanent damage. The vet will normally examine the movement and gait of the equine. It is vital that spinal fluid and blood tests are undertaken to rule out diseases such as viral encephalitis and West Nile virus.
The treatment process for EPM in horses may include a variety of drugs which the veterinary surgeon will administer. The length of the treatment process could be long and expensive. The downside of the lengthy treatment process is that it is not guaranteed to be a success.
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