Key Takeaways

• EPM is a neurological disease caused by a parasite that affects horses in the United States.
• The clinical signs of EPM can vary, ranging from mild muscle weakness to severe neurological deficits.
• Diagnosing EPM can be challenging, as the symptoms can mimic other neurological conditions.
• Treatment for EPM typically involves a combination of medications and supportive care, with the duration of treatment depending on the severity of the condition.
• Preventing the spread of the parasite that causes EPM is important for horse owners and veterinarians.

What is EPM in Horses: Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis?

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a serious disease that affects horses. It's caused by a parasite called Sarcocystis neurona. This parasite attacks the central nervous system, causing symptoms that can greatly harm a horse's health.

Knowing the cause and signs of EPM is key to getting the right treatment fast.

Cause of EPM

The cause of EPM is the Sarcocystis neurona parasite. It lives in the environment and can infect horses through contaminated food or water. Opossums carry this parasite, and where they live can make horses more likely to get it.

Clinical Signs of EPM

Horses with suspected EPM may show signs like: - Muscle weakness or loss of coordination - Lameness or abnormal gait - Difficulty swallowing or drooping of the eyelid - Seizures or tremors - Sensitivity to touch or light - Behavioral changes, such as lethargy or aggression

The signs of EPM may change based on how bad the infection is and where it hits in the horse's brain. Starting treatment early is key to stopping more damage and helping the horse recover.

Horses get this parasite by being near infected opossums' feces. Keeping horses away from these areas can lower their risk of getting EPM.

Getting a correct diagnosis and a good treatment plan is vital for horses with EPM. This helps them recover and reduces the disease's long-term effects.

Diagnosis of EPM in Horses

Diagnosing Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) in horses is tough. It looks like other neurological issues up to and including Lyme. Vets use special tools to find this parasitic/protozoa infection in the horse's brain and spine and also can be found in a blood test.

A common way to diagnose EPM is with a serum test. This test checks for antibodies against the Sarcocystis neurona parasite. If the horse has these antibodies, it means it has been exposed. But, it doesn't mean it's sick now.

For a sure diagnosis, a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test might be done. This test looks for the parasite/protozoa or its antibodies in the fluid around the spinal cord and brain. It's a better test than the serum test because it checks the area where the parasite lives.

Vets might also use MRI or CT scans to see the horse's brain and spine. These scans can show if there are any signs of EPM. They give important details about the disease's location and how bad it is.

Diagnosing EPM is hard because its symptoms can be like other horse diseases. A thorough check-up and tests by a skilled vet are key. This helps get the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

Getting EPM right is key for treating and managing the disease in horses. By using different tests, vets can act fast and effectively. This helps make the horse healthier and happier.

Treatment of EPM

Caring for horses with Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) means treating them aggressively. The treatment's length and the medicines used are key to managing this complex disease.

Duration of Treatment

The usual treatment time for EPM in horses is 4 to 6 weeks. Sometimes, it may take longer if the horse's condition is severe or if they don't respond well at first. It's crucial to stick with the treatment plan for the best results for treated horses.

Medications for EPM

Several medicines are used to treat EPM in horses. Ponazuril and diclazuril target the parasite causing the disease. Corticosteroids help reduce swelling and ease symptoms. Anticonvulsants or other therapies might be added to manage certain symptoms in horses with epm.

Each horse's treatment plan should be customized. It should consider the disease's severity, the horse's health, and any other conditions. Working closely with a vet and the horse's owner is key to finding the right treatment.

It's important to feed and care for horses properly during treatment they need high quality hay, extra nutrients including Vitamin e, and probiotics. This helps them recover and get back to health. Regular vet check-ups are key to making sure the treatment is working and to rule out epm.  See the kit we offer below with Vitamin E and Vitamin C, Herbal EPM TX, and Homeopathic EPM Treatment they go hand in hand with vet meds for better results.

"Aggressive treatment and consistent monitoring are key to improving the prognosis forhorses with EPM."

Dealing with EPM requires a team effort between vets and horse owners. They use the latest equine research and best practices to care for affected horses.  Vet meds are only about 44-50% effective depending on how early you catch the infestations, that is why we also suggest the EPM TX Kit to go along with that.

EPM in Horses: Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a serious disease that affects horses. It can greatly impact their health and well-being. The disease is caused by a parasite called Sarcocystis neurona.

This parasite can infect the horse's central nervous system. This leads to symptoms like muscle weakness, poor coordination, trouble swallowing, and even paralysis. Diagnosing EPM can be tough, but the Gluck Equine Research Center has made progress in testing for the Sarcocystis neurona parasite.

With the right treatment, horses with EPM can get better. Vets often give them anti-protozoal meds and supportive care. By working with equine health experts, horse owners can help their horses recover and get back to good health.

FAQ

What is Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)?

EPM is a serious disease that affects horses' brain and spinal cord. It's caused by a parasite/protozoa called Sarcocystis neurona. This parasite can infect the horse's central nervous system.

What are the clinical signs of EPM?

Horses with EPM may show signs like muscle wasting, poor coordination, partial paralysis, seizures, and changes in behavior. They will trip on rides even with newly trimmed feet and can have non specific right hind lameness issues begin. These signs can vary based on which parts of the brain are affected.

How is EPM diagnosed?

Diagnosing EPM is tough because its signs are similar to other brain diseases including Lyme. Vets use physical exams, neurological checks, and tests like the IFAT or Western blot to spot the disease.  If you are testing for EPM also test for Lyme at the same time as we have found up to 90% of the EPM cases we treat also have underlying Lyme.

How is EPM treated?

Treating EPM means giving the horse medicine to fight the parasite and reduce swelling. Treatment lasts at least 4-6 months to manage the disease well.

How can EPM be prevented?

To prevent EPM, keep horses away from areas where possums live, or set water for the possums out away from the horses at the perimeter of the property.   We add the EPM Nosode to the possum water as a preventative (we can instruct you how to do that). Also, keep the horses healthy with good food and care, including high potency probiotics. This helps lower their risk of getting the disease.  Keep bag feed in covered trash containers, keep at barn cat food away from areas possums may try to get to it. 

You can also help to prevent it by keeping your horses immune health boosted with Equine Zyme Plus, with using our EPM Nosode and if your horse starts to trip on rides and has been recently trimmed or starts to show right hind lameness get him/her tested.  We offer a more natural approach and afforadable approach to treating this protoza EPM TX Kit the only thing you would need to add to the kit is the Equine Zyme Plus!

Jessica Lynn, Owner, Earth Song Ranch - Improving Horse Health Since 1998