Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, also known as simply EMP, is the name of a disease that occurs in horses. EPM in horses is the result of a protozoal infection in the central nervous system of these animals. A doctor named Jim Rooney first discovered it in the mid twentieth century.
EPM has long been considered a rare disease. However, recent years have shown an increase in the amount of cases. Researchers conducted studies at University of Kentucky. They concluded their studies with the result that opossum is the host for this disease.
The cause of this disease is parasites Neospora hughesi and Sarcocystis neurona. The life cycle of Neospora hughesi is not known. However, there is more known about Sarcocystis neurona. In order for this parasite to complete its life cycle, it requires two hosts. One must be the intermediate and the other the definitive. In laboratories, cats, skunks, raccoons, sea otters and armadillos have all been shown to be hosts, of the intermediate type.
As previously stated, the opossum is considered the definitive host of EPM. Typically horses contract this disease while grazing or watering in areas where possums have defecated. The animals cannot pass this condition among themselves. That is, a single horse cannot get the disease from another infected horse. The animal is an aberrant, or dead-end host of this parasite.
There are many different symptoms and signs associated with this disease. Weakness, incoordination and spasticity are common signs. Although symptoms are known to vary and may mimic many different neurological disorders. Overall, problems are either primary or secondary. Some issues are less easy to classify. Snoring, laryngeal hemiplegia, focal or generalized muscle atrophy, and snoring are other potential warning signs.
Not much is known about the way Sarcocystis neurona can enter the CNS of this animal. Nonetheless, it is thought to infect white bloods cells so it may cross into the brain. The disease is treatable. Some horses may have irreversible damage done to their system as a result of this particular disease.
It is crucial that the problem be identified early on so that treatment can be issued, in the form of antiprotozoal drugs. There are currently two treatments available that have been approved by the FDA for use in the US: Marquis, Protazil. To limit potential damage to CNS and reduce any inflammation, anti-inflammatory medicines are often prescribed. Using antioxidants can help with restoring the nervous tissue. To control or prevent this condition, owners are encourage to correctly store horse hay and feed, control the opossums in an area and quickly dispose of carcasses. These is not a vaccine for this available on the market.
EPM in horses is typically rare. Jim Rooney initially discovered this disease, which attacks the central nervous system of the animals, during the 1960s. The condition is caused by two parasites. There are many different signs and symptoms to be aware of for proper diagnosis. Horses that are treated early can be completely healed, although sometimes irreversible damage is done to the nervous system.
EPM has long been considered a rare disease. However, recent years have shown an increase in the amount of cases. Researchers conducted studies at University of Kentucky. They concluded their studies with the result that opossum is the host for this disease.
The cause of this disease is parasites Neospora hughesi and Sarcocystis neurona. The life cycle of Neospora hughesi is not known. However, there is more known about Sarcocystis neurona. In order for this parasite to complete its life cycle, it requires two hosts. One must be the intermediate and the other the definitive. In laboratories, cats, skunks, raccoons, sea otters and armadillos have all been shown to be hosts, of the intermediate type.
As previously stated, the opossum is considered the definitive host of EPM. Typically horses contract this disease while grazing or watering in areas where possums have defecated. The animals cannot pass this condition among themselves. That is, a single horse cannot get the disease from another infected horse. The animal is an aberrant, or dead-end host of this parasite.
There are many different symptoms and signs associated with this disease. Weakness, incoordination and spasticity are common signs. Although symptoms are known to vary and may mimic many different neurological disorders. Overall, problems are either primary or secondary. Some issues are less easy to classify. Snoring, laryngeal hemiplegia, focal or generalized muscle atrophy, and snoring are other potential warning signs.
Not much is known about the way Sarcocystis neurona can enter the CNS of this animal. Nonetheless, it is thought to infect white bloods cells so it may cross into the brain. The disease is treatable. Some horses may have irreversible damage done to their system as a result of this particular disease.
It is crucial that the problem be identified early on so that treatment can be issued, in the form of antiprotozoal drugs. There are currently two treatments available that have been approved by the FDA for use in the US: Marquis, Protazil. To limit potential damage to CNS and reduce any inflammation, anti-inflammatory medicines are often prescribed. Using antioxidants can help with restoring the nervous tissue. To control or prevent this condition, owners are encourage to correctly store horse hay and feed, control the opossums in an area and quickly dispose of carcasses. These is not a vaccine for this available on the market.
EPM in horses is typically rare. Jim Rooney initially discovered this disease, which attacks the central nervous system of the animals, during the 1960s. The condition is caused by two parasites. There are many different signs and symptoms to be aware of for proper diagnosis. Horses that are treated early can be completely healed, although sometimes irreversible damage is done to the nervous system.
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