EPM in horses is a disease that attacks the neurological system. It is caused by tiny parasites which can be found in opossums. The exposure occurs if the equine drink water or eat feed which may have been contaminated by the feces of opossums.
The symptoms of the disease vary. This is dependent upon the point of attack in the nervous system. The protozoa may leave the horse with lesions on its brain stem and spinal cord. The disease is most common during the fall and summer months, however fall seems to be the worst time. Symptoms are fairly slow in developing and may be present several days after infection.
It is not easy to make a diagnosis of EPM in horses as there are several neurological diseases with similar symptoms. The symptoms are not the same for each horse. The horse may suffer from weakness and muscle atrophy. It may also experience difficulty when it tries to swallow. The equine may suffer from pain in its back, weakness and a distinct lack in co-ordination.
If the horse it suffering from a mild form of EPM, it may appear to stumble and suffer from slight lameness. This requires immediate treatment as a delay could end in the horse being unable to swallow or stand. At this point, the severity of the disease puts the horse at risk of death. The horse may suffer from a head that is tilted and eyelids that become droopy. Any breed, age or sex of horse may be affected by the disease. Horses that are transported frequently and younger horses are more at risk of contracting the disease.
To try and prevent the disease in stables, you should make the area unattractive to opossums, since they carry the organism which is the cause of the disease. Opossums are not choosy about what they eat. They eat almost anything, including cat and dog food, horse feed and dead animals.
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 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 symptoms of the disease vary. This is dependent upon the point of attack in the nervous system. The protozoa may leave the horse with lesions on its brain stem and spinal cord. The disease is most common during the fall and summer months, however fall seems to be the worst time. Symptoms are fairly slow in developing and may be present several days after infection.
It is not easy to make a diagnosis of EPM in horses as there are several neurological diseases with similar symptoms. The symptoms are not the same for each horse. The horse may suffer from weakness and muscle atrophy. It may also experience difficulty when it tries to swallow. The equine may suffer from pain in its back, weakness and a distinct lack in co-ordination.
If the horse it suffering from a mild form of EPM, it may appear to stumble and suffer from slight lameness. This requires immediate treatment as a delay could end in the horse being unable to swallow or stand. At this point, the severity of the disease puts the horse at risk of death. The horse may suffer from a head that is tilted and eyelids that become droopy. Any breed, age or sex of horse may be affected by the disease. Horses that are transported frequently and younger horses are more at risk of contracting the disease.
To try and prevent the disease in stables, you should make the area unattractive to opossums, since they carry the organism which is the cause of the disease. Opossums are not choosy about what they eat. They eat almost anything, including cat and dog food, horse feed and dead animals.
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 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.
