Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis
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This article is still under construction. |
| Also known as: | EPM Equine protozoal myelitis |
Description
A progressive, infectious,[1]neurological disease of horses, endemic in the USA[2] and only encountered elsewhere in imported equids.[3] EPM is one of the most frequently diagnosed neurological conditions of the Western Hemisphere (Furr) and the principal differential for multifocal, asymmetric progressive central nervous system (CNS) disease.[1] As it can resemble any neurological disorder, EPM must be considered in any horse with neurological signs if it resides in the Americas or if it has been imported from that area[2][4] The disease is not contagious.[1]
Aetiology
EPM results from infection of the CNS by the apicomplexan parasite Sarcocystis neurona or, less frequently, its close relative Neospora hughesi.[5][6] These protozoans develop within neurons[7] causing immediate or inflammatory-mediated neuronal damage (Vetstream). The organisms migrate randomly through the brain and spinal cord causing asymmetrical lesions of the grey and white matter and thus multifocal lower and upper motor neuron deficits.[1]
Signalment
Mostly Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds aged 1-6years.[1] Foal infection may be possible.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Pasquini, C, Pasquini, S, Woods, P (2005) Guide to Equine Clinics Volume 1: Equine Medicine, third edition, SUDZ Publishing, 245-250.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Gray, L.C, Magdesian, K.G, Sturges, B.K, Madigan, J.E (2001) Suspected protozoal myeloencephalitis in a two-month-old colt. Vet Record, 149:269-273.
- ↑ Vatistas, N, Mayhew, J (1995) Differential diagnosis of polyneuritis equi. In Practice, Jan, 26-29.
- ↑ DEFRA, The Animal Health Trust, The British Equine Veterinary Association (2009) Surveillance: Equine disease surveillance, April to June 2009, The Vet Record, Oct 24:489-492.
- ↑ Dubey, J.P, Lindsay, D.S, Saville, W.J, Reed, S.M, Granstrom, D.E, Speer, C.A (2001)A review of Sarcocystis neurona and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Vet Parasitol, 95:89-131. In: Pusterla, N, Wilson, W.D, Conrad, P.A, Barr, B.C, Ferraro, G.L, Daft, B.M, Leutenegger, C.M (2006) Cytokine gene signatures in neural tissue of horses with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis or equine herpes type 1 myeloencephalopathy. The Vet Record, Sep 9:Papers & Articles.
- ↑ Wobeser, B.K, Godson, D.L, Rejmanek, D, Dowling, P (2009) Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis caused by Neospora hughesi in an adult horse in Saskatchewan. Can Vet J, 50(8):851-3.
- ↑ Furr, M (2010) Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis in: