Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, which may also be referred to as EPM, is a disease that affects horses. EPM in horses is the result of a protozoal infection within the central nervous system, CNS, of the animal. Jim Rooney, a doctor, was the first to discover this condition around the 1960s.
EPM is mostly rare. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the amount of cases reported. Research that was done at University of Kentucky concluded that the opossum is the definitive disease host.
Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi are the two responsible parasites for EPM. Very little is know about Neospora hughesi, especially its life cycle. On the other hand, Sarcocystis neurona involves two hosts to complete a life cycle. There must be a intermediate host and a definitive host. Sea otters, raccoons, cats, skunks and armadillos have been show, in labs, to function as intermediate hosts.
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.
Little is known about how the Sarcocystis neurona actually enters into the CNS of the animal. Still, it is believed that it infects the white blood cells so that it can cross into the blood brain barrier. This disease can be treated, but in some cases, horses may experience irreversible system damage.
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 mostly a rare occurrence. It was first discovered by a doctor named Jim Rooney circa the 1960s. This disease, which occurs in the central nervous system of these animals, is the result of two parasites. There are many signs and symptoms associated with this condition that can help identify the presence of the disease. Animals that receive prompt treatment are likely to make a full recovery with treatment. In some situations, damage that is irreversible may be done to the nervous system of the horse.
EPM is mostly rare. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the amount of cases reported. Research that was done at University of Kentucky concluded that the opossum is the definitive disease host.
Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi are the two responsible parasites for EPM. Very little is know about Neospora hughesi, especially its life cycle. On the other hand, Sarcocystis neurona involves two hosts to complete a life cycle. There must be a intermediate host and a definitive host. Sea otters, raccoons, cats, skunks and armadillos have been show, in labs, to function as intermediate hosts.
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.
Little is known about how the Sarcocystis neurona actually enters into the CNS of the animal. Still, it is believed that it infects the white blood cells so that it can cross into the blood brain barrier. This disease can be treated, but in some cases, horses may experience irreversible system damage.
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 mostly a rare occurrence. It was first discovered by a doctor named Jim Rooney circa the 1960s. This disease, which occurs in the central nervous system of these animals, is the result of two parasites. There are many signs and symptoms associated with this condition that can help identify the presence of the disease. Animals that receive prompt treatment are likely to make a full recovery with treatment. In some situations, damage that is irreversible may be done to the nervous system of the horse.
About the Author:
You can visit the website prerace2011.com for more helpful information about The Facts On EPM In Horses
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire