EPM in horses is a disease that attacks the neurological system. It is caused by tiny parasites which can be found in opossums. The exposure occurs if the equine drink water or eat feed which may have been contaminated by the feces of opossums.
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 quite difficult to diagnose EPM in horses as the symptoms are similar to several other neurological diseases. The symptoms vary from one horse to another and may include muscle atrophy and weakness. The animal may have difficulty in swallowing. The horse may experience a sore back, weakness and lack of co-ordination.
In mild cases of the disease, the horse may present with mild stumbling and lameness. If the disease is not treated timorously, the equine will ultimately be unable to swallow or stand up of its own accord. Once it reaches this point of severity, the horse may die. The horse may also suffer from a tilted head and drooping eyelids. The disease is experienced by horses of any age, breed or sex. Younger equine are at higher risk, as are those that are transported on a frequent basis.
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 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.
EPM is a dangerous disease and at the first signs of it, you should arrange for examination of your horses by a veterinary specialist. Adequate veterinary care and a prompt diagnosis will give your equine the opportunity to recover from the infection. This infection often leaves horses with permanent damage. The vet will commence treatment by examining the gait and movement of the horse. It is important that blood and spinal fluid tests are done to rule out the possibility of diseases such as West Nile virus and viral encephalitis.
Treatment for EPM in horses often includes anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-protozoal drugs which will be administered by the veterinary surgeon. The treatment for this disease may take a long time and could become quite expensive. Unfortunately, it is often not successful.
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 quite difficult to diagnose EPM in horses as the symptoms are similar to several other neurological diseases. The symptoms vary from one horse to another and may include muscle atrophy and weakness. The animal may have difficulty in swallowing. The horse may experience a sore back, weakness and lack of co-ordination.
In mild cases of the disease, the horse may present with mild stumbling and lameness. If the disease is not treated timorously, the equine will ultimately be unable to swallow or stand up of its own accord. Once it reaches this point of severity, the horse may die. The horse may also suffer from a tilted head and drooping eyelids. The disease is experienced by horses of any age, breed or sex. Younger equine are at higher risk, as are those that are transported on a frequent basis.
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 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.
EPM is a dangerous disease and at the first signs of it, you should arrange for examination of your horses by a veterinary specialist. Adequate veterinary care and a prompt diagnosis will give your equine the opportunity to recover from the infection. This infection often leaves horses with permanent damage. The vet will commence treatment by examining the gait and movement of the horse. It is important that blood and spinal fluid tests are done to rule out the possibility of diseases such as West Nile virus and viral encephalitis.
Treatment for EPM in horses often includes anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-protozoal drugs which will be administered by the veterinary surgeon. The treatment for this disease may take a long time and could become quite expensive. Unfortunately, it is often not successful.
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