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 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 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 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 is a dangerous disease and horses that show signs of it should be examined by a veterinary specialist as soon as possible. A quick diagnosis and proper veterinary care will allow the horse to recover from the disease. The infection may leave the animal with permanent damage. The vet will normally examine the movement and gait of the equine. It is vital that spinal fluid and blood tests are undertaken to rule out diseases such as viral encephalitis and West Nile virus.
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 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 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 is a dangerous disease and horses that show signs of it should be examined by a veterinary specialist as soon as possible. A quick diagnosis and proper veterinary care will allow the horse to recover from the disease. The infection may leave the animal with permanent damage. The vet will normally examine the movement and gait of the equine. It is vital that spinal fluid and blood tests are undertaken to rule out diseases such as viral encephalitis and West Nile virus.
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.
