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 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.
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 avoid invasion from these animals, ensure that all food stores are secure. If there are animal carcasses on the property, ensure that they are buried as quickly as possible. Spilled feed should be cleaned up promptly and not left lying around. If you suspect that opossums are on your property, you should trap them in a humane manner and remove them. It is possible to obtain fencing that has been specially designed to keep them out. This is a good option to consider if opossums have become a nuisance on your property.
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 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.
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 avoid invasion from these animals, ensure that all food stores are secure. If there are animal carcasses on the property, ensure that they are buried as quickly as possible. Spilled feed should be cleaned up promptly and not left lying around. If you suspect that opossums are on your property, you should trap them in a humane manner and remove them. It is possible to obtain fencing that has been specially designed to keep them out. This is a good option to consider if opossums have become a nuisance on your property.
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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