Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, which may also be referred to as EPM, is a disease that affects horses. EPM in horses is the result of a protozoal infection within the central nervous system, CNS, of the animal. Jim Rooney, a doctor, was the first to discover this condition around the 1960s.
EPM is generally considered a rare condition. In more recent times, a high occurrence of cases has been reported. Research work was performed at the University of Kentucky. The results found that opossum is the definitive host for this specific 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.
As stated, opossum is the definitive host for EPM. Usually horses get this disease from watering or grazing in locations near where possums have recently defecated. These animals are unable to pass the disease alone. That is, one horse that is infected cannot pass it on to another horse that is not. The horse is a dead-end host of the 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 crucial that the problem be identified early on so that treatment can be issued, in the form of antiprotozoal drugs. There are currently two treatments available that have been approved by the FDA for use in the US: Marquis, Protazil. To limit potential damage to CNS and reduce any inflammation, anti-inflammatory medicines are often prescribed. Using antioxidants can help with restoring the nervous tissue. To control or prevent this condition, owners are encourage to correctly store horse hay and feed, control the opossums in an area and quickly dispose of carcasses. These is not a vaccine for this available on the market.
EPM in horses is mostly a rare occurrence. It was first discovered by a doctor named Jim Rooney circa the 1960s. This disease, which occurs in the central nervous system of these animals, is the result of two parasites. There are many signs and symptoms associated with this condition that can help identify the presence of the disease. Animals that receive prompt treatment are likely to make a full recovery with treatment. In some situations, damage that is irreversible may be done to the nervous system of the horse.
EPM is generally considered a rare condition. In more recent times, a high occurrence of cases has been reported. Research work was performed at the University of Kentucky. The results found that opossum is the definitive host for this specific 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.
As stated, opossum is the definitive host for EPM. Usually horses get this disease from watering or grazing in locations near where possums have recently defecated. These animals are unable to pass the disease alone. That is, one horse that is infected cannot pass it on to another horse that is not. The horse is a dead-end host of the 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 crucial that the problem be identified early on so that treatment can be issued, in the form of antiprotozoal drugs. There are currently two treatments available that have been approved by the FDA for use in the US: Marquis, Protazil. To limit potential damage to CNS and reduce any inflammation, anti-inflammatory medicines are often prescribed. Using antioxidants can help with restoring the nervous tissue. To control or prevent this condition, owners are encourage to correctly store horse hay and feed, control the opossums in an area and quickly dispose of carcasses. These is not a vaccine for this available on the market.
EPM in horses is mostly a rare occurrence. It was first discovered by a doctor named Jim Rooney circa the 1960s. This disease, which occurs in the central nervous system of these animals, is the result of two parasites. There are many signs and symptoms associated with this condition that can help identify the presence of the disease. Animals that receive prompt treatment are likely to make a full recovery with treatment. In some situations, damage that is irreversible may be done to the nervous system of the horse.
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