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 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.
Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi are the two responsible parasites for EPM. Very little is know about Neospora hughesi, especially its life cycle. On the other hand, Sarcocystis neurona involves two hosts to complete a life cycle. There must be a intermediate host and a definitive host. Sea otters, raccoons, cats, skunks and armadillos have been show, in labs, to function as intermediate hosts.
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 symptoms to look out for when identifying the presence of this disease. The most common of signs includes spasticity, weakness and incoordination. Although signs can vary and mimic those of any type of neurological disorder. Overall, these problems are considered secondary or primary. Some of the symptoms are less easy to identify and categorize. Other warning signs to keep an eye on: snoring, general or focal muscle atrophy, laryngeal hemiplegia.
It is still unknown how the Sarcocystis neurona is able to enter the central nervous system of this animal. However, it is believed to infect the white blood cells in order to cross through the blood brain barrier. Luckily, this problem is treatable. With that said, there may be some irreversible damage done to the system of a horse.
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 considered a rare disease. During the 1960s, Jim Rooney discovered the disease, which is known to attack the central nervous system of horses. The condition is the result of two different parasites. There are numerous symptoms and signs to look for when diagnosing the problem. Animals that are treated promptly are known to fully recover, but in some cases irreversible damage may be done to the nervous system of the animal.
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.
Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi are the two responsible parasites for EPM. Very little is know about Neospora hughesi, especially its life cycle. On the other hand, Sarcocystis neurona involves two hosts to complete a life cycle. There must be a intermediate host and a definitive host. Sea otters, raccoons, cats, skunks and armadillos have been show, in labs, to function as intermediate hosts.
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 symptoms to look out for when identifying the presence of this disease. The most common of signs includes spasticity, weakness and incoordination. Although signs can vary and mimic those of any type of neurological disorder. Overall, these problems are considered secondary or primary. Some of the symptoms are less easy to identify and categorize. Other warning signs to keep an eye on: snoring, general or focal muscle atrophy, laryngeal hemiplegia.
It is still unknown how the Sarcocystis neurona is able to enter the central nervous system of this animal. However, it is believed to infect the white blood cells in order to cross through the blood brain barrier. Luckily, this problem is treatable. With that said, there may be some irreversible damage done to the system of a horse.
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 considered a rare disease. During the 1960s, Jim Rooney discovered the disease, which is known to attack the central nervous system of horses. The condition is the result of two different parasites. There are numerous symptoms and signs to look for when diagnosing the problem. Animals that are treated promptly are known to fully recover, but in some cases irreversible damage may be done to the nervous system of the animal.
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