![]() ![]() If caught in the early stages of the disease, horses with mild symptoms typically make a complete recovery. All cases are different - no two affected horses will have identical symptoms.Īs the disease progresses, your horse may start to have seizures, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Symptoms can develop suddenly or progress gradually. The do's and don'ts of Western Blot testing for EPM, and Sarcocystis sp. That's why it's important to have your horse examined by a veterinarian at the presence of even mild symptoms such as lameness, head tilt, paralysis, stiffness, leaning to one side, lack of coordination or weakness. The symptoms can be similar to those of other neurological diseases like wobbler syndrome, equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy, equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy and West Nile encephalomyelitis. What Are The Symptoms of EPM In Horses?ĮPM affects your horse's central nervous system. Thankfully, a horse affected by EPM cannot pass the disease to other horses or to humans. It's also been found in ponies, but it has not been found in mules, donkeys or other non-horse equids. The disease has been reported in horses from 2 months to 24 years of age, but usually affects those between 1 and 6 years old.ĮPM is most commonly found in Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds and Quarter horses. but studies that used Western blot to confirm serologic results have. It's unclear why an unlucky minority of horses develop EPM after exposure to S. Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) remains an important neurologic disease of. In others, symptoms may not appear for months, often in times of stress. Some horses develop symptoms immediately after exposure. The infection causes damage to the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. In just one percent of horses exposed to the parasite, the infection crosses the digestive system into the bloodstream, where it eventually reaches the central nervous system. Most horses simply develop immunity to the parasite after exposure, never suffering the effects of EPM. It's estimated that 50 percent of horses are exposed to Sarcocystis neurona. Less commonly, the disease is caused by the parasite Neospora. What Causes EPM In Horses?ĮPM is colloquially known as "possum disease" because horses typically get it from exposure to food or water sources that have been contaminated with possum feces infested with a single-celled parasite called Sarcocystis neurona. In severe cases, though, it can ultimately end your horse's life.Īny horse can contract EPM, so it's crucial that all horse owners know about this disease, and how to recognize early symptoms to ensure the best chance of recovery. Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), also known as "possum disease," is a progressive condition in horses that affects the central nervous system.Ĭaught early, your horse can completely recover from EPM. ![]()
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