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 is generally considered a rare condition. In more recent times, a high occurrence of cases has been reported. Research work was performed at the University of Kentucky. The results found that opossum is the definitive host for this specific disease.
The cause of EPM is two types of parasites: Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi. Much more information is known about the former than the latter. In fact, it is known that Sarcocystis neurona requires two hosts in order to fully complete a life cycle. One must be intermediate and the second must be definitive. In laboratories, sea otters, armadillos, skunks, raccoons and cats have all been known to act as intermediate hosts.
Opossum is recognized as the host for this disease. Typically the parasite is contracted by horses who graze or water in areas nearby defecation of possums. The animals cannot pass EPM along alone, which is to say that an uninfected horse cannot contract it from an infected animal. The animal is known as an aberrant of these parasites.
There are certain symptoms caused by this condition. Some of the most common signs is asymmetric incoordination, spasticity and weakness. Although the symptoms may mimic nearly any neurologic disorder. Overall, symptoms may be classified as primary or secondary. Some signs are more difficult to categorize from other problems. Other symptoms to look for when identifying this problem: laryngeal hemiplegia, snoring, and muscle atrophy of some sort.
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.
The problem should be identified as soon as possible so that antiprotozoal drugs can be administered for treatment. To date, the FDA approves to forms of treatments for use in America: Protazil and Marquis. To limit damage to the CNS and reduce all inflammation, there are anti-inflammatory medicines administered. Use of antioxidants is helpful when it comes to restoration of nervous tissue. To prevent or control this disease, horse owners should properly store feed and hay, regulate opossums in their area, and quickly and efficiently dispose of carcasses. No vaccine is available for use as treatment.
EPM in horses is considered a rare disease. During the 1960s, Jim Rooney discovered the disease, which is known to attack the central nervous system of horses. The condition is the result of two different parasites. There are numerous symptoms and signs to look for when diagnosing the problem. Animals that are treated promptly are known to fully recover, but in some cases irreversible damage may be done to the nervous system of the animal.
EPM is generally considered a rare condition. In more recent times, a high occurrence of cases has been reported. Research work was performed at the University of Kentucky. The results found that opossum is the definitive host for this specific disease.
The cause of EPM is two types of parasites: Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi. Much more information is known about the former than the latter. In fact, it is known that Sarcocystis neurona requires two hosts in order to fully complete a life cycle. One must be intermediate and the second must be definitive. In laboratories, sea otters, armadillos, skunks, raccoons and cats have all been known to act as intermediate hosts.
Opossum is recognized as the host for this disease. Typically the parasite is contracted by horses who graze or water in areas nearby defecation of possums. The animals cannot pass EPM along alone, which is to say that an uninfected horse cannot contract it from an infected animal. The animal is known as an aberrant of these parasites.
There are certain symptoms caused by this condition. Some of the most common signs is asymmetric incoordination, spasticity and weakness. Although the symptoms may mimic nearly any neurologic disorder. Overall, symptoms may be classified as primary or secondary. Some signs are more difficult to categorize from other problems. Other symptoms to look for when identifying this problem: laryngeal hemiplegia, snoring, and muscle atrophy of some sort.
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.
The problem should be identified as soon as possible so that antiprotozoal drugs can be administered for treatment. To date, the FDA approves to forms of treatments for use in America: Protazil and Marquis. To limit damage to the CNS and reduce all inflammation, there are anti-inflammatory medicines administered. Use of antioxidants is helpful when it comes to restoration of nervous tissue. To prevent or control this disease, horse owners should properly store feed and hay, regulate opossums in their area, and quickly and efficiently dispose of carcasses. No vaccine is available for use as treatment.
EPM in horses is considered a rare disease. During the 1960s, Jim Rooney discovered the disease, which is known to attack the central nervous system of horses. The condition is the result of two different parasites. There are numerous symptoms and signs to look for when diagnosing the problem. Animals that are treated promptly are known to fully recover, but in some cases irreversible damage may be done to the nervous system of the animal.
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