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 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 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.
The treatment process for EPM in horses may include a variety of drugs which the veterinary surgeon will administer. The length of the treatment process could be long and expensive. The downside of the lengthy treatment process is that it is not guaranteed to be 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 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 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.
The treatment process for EPM in horses may include a variety of drugs which the veterinary surgeon will administer. The length of the treatment process could be long and expensive. The downside of the lengthy treatment process is that it is not guaranteed to be a success.
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