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.
Since opossums carry the disease-causing organism, you should make the area as unattractive to them as possible to aid in preventing the disease. Opossums are known to not be very selective about what they eat. They will eat anything, from cat food to 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 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.
Since opossums carry the disease-causing organism, you should make the area as unattractive to them as possible to aid in preventing the disease. Opossums are known to not be very selective about what they eat. They will eat anything, from cat food to 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.
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