A disease called EPM in horses is caused by a tiny parasite which affects the neurological systems. The parasite responsible for this is found in opossums. Horses generally come into contact with the parasite if their feed or water has been contaminated by opossum feces.
The disease symptoms vary greatly. These depend on the part of the nervous system which has been attacked. The protozoa could cause the equine to be left with lesions on the spinal cord and the brain stem. This disease is most prevalent during the summer and the fall months, with the fall being the time it is found most. The symptoms are quite slow in developing and could be present many days after infection has occurred.
The diagnosis of EPM in horses is not easy due to the similarity to many other potential neurological diseases. The symptoms of the disease vary from equine to equine and may include muscle weakness and atrophy. The animal may experience difficulty when swallowing. The horse could suffer from a sore back, a lack of suitable co-ordination and weakness.
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 prevent these animals from invading your property, you should make sure that all food stores are secured. If there are dead animal carcasses on your property, you should make sure that these are buried as soon after death as possible. Food that has been spilled should be cleaned up immediately. If your property is at risk of opossums and you suspect that they are around, you should attempt to trap them in a humane way and remove them accordingly. You can choose to fence your property with specially designed fencing to keep opossums out. This is a good option if they have become a nuisance to your other animals.
This disease is dangerous and if your equine has symptoms indicating possible infection, it should undergo a veterinary examination as soon as possible. An early diagnosis and adequate veterinary care will give the horse the opportunity to fully recover from the infection. However, the horse may suffer permanent damage due to the infection. The gait and normal movement of your horse will be the starting point of the vet's examination. Blood and spinal fluid tests should be done to eliminate diseases like the West Nile virus and viral encephalitis.
Different types of drugs will be used during treatment for EPM in horses. This will include anti-microbial, anti-protozoal and anti-inflammatory drugs. The treatment process for the disease is a lengthy and fairly expensive one. Unfortunately, the available treatment options are not always a success.
The disease symptoms vary greatly. These depend on the part of the nervous system which has been attacked. The protozoa could cause the equine to be left with lesions on the spinal cord and the brain stem. This disease is most prevalent during the summer and the fall months, with the fall being the time it is found most. The symptoms are quite slow in developing and could be present many days after infection has occurred.
The diagnosis of EPM in horses is not easy due to the similarity to many other potential neurological diseases. The symptoms of the disease vary from equine to equine and may include muscle weakness and atrophy. The animal may experience difficulty when swallowing. The horse could suffer from a sore back, a lack of suitable co-ordination and weakness.
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 prevent these animals from invading your property, you should make sure that all food stores are secured. If there are dead animal carcasses on your property, you should make sure that these are buried as soon after death as possible. Food that has been spilled should be cleaned up immediately. If your property is at risk of opossums and you suspect that they are around, you should attempt to trap them in a humane way and remove them accordingly. You can choose to fence your property with specially designed fencing to keep opossums out. This is a good option if they have become a nuisance to your other animals.
This disease is dangerous and if your equine has symptoms indicating possible infection, it should undergo a veterinary examination as soon as possible. An early diagnosis and adequate veterinary care will give the horse the opportunity to fully recover from the infection. However, the horse may suffer permanent damage due to the infection. The gait and normal movement of your horse will be the starting point of the vet's examination. Blood and spinal fluid tests should be done to eliminate diseases like the West Nile virus and viral encephalitis.
Different types of drugs will be used during treatment for EPM in horses. This will include anti-microbial, anti-protozoal and anti-inflammatory drugs. The treatment process for the disease is a lengthy and fairly expensive one. Unfortunately, the available treatment options are not always a success.
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