Can a horse die from EPM?

Asked by: Chase Shepard

If left untreated, the prognosis for horses with EPM is very poor, as the condition can deteriorate to seizures and death.

Is EPM fatal in horses?

EPM is defined as a progressive, degenerative disease, which means as time passes, the inflammation can become widespread and the damage can increase in severity. Once affected, the function of the tissues in the central nervous system may continue to deteriorate. EPM in horses can be fatal.

Can a horse survive EPM?

If left undiagnosed and untreated, EPM can cause devastating and lasting neurological deficits. The success rate for treated horses is high. Many will improve and a smaller percentage will recover completely, but 10-20% of cases may relapse within two years.

What happens when a horse has EPM?

Quick facts. EPM is a neurologic disease that horses get from eating infected opossum feces. Incoordination, muscle atrophy and loss of feeling around the body are a few signs of illness. Keep your horses healthy by storing grain in sealed bins and controlling opossum populations around your barn.

Are horses in pain with EPM?

Horses that are suffering from EPM will also be painful around the occiput and atlas, due to the inflammation going on in the spinal cord. If you have the horse walk and have someone walk behind them and pull them by the tail off to one side, they will be unable to right themselves.

What does a horse with EPM look like?

Owners frequently notice obscure lameness, stumbling and incoordination. If the brain stem is involved, usually a head tilt is present. Clinical signs may include: Ataxia (incoordination) and weakness: Generally centered in the rear limbs, symptoms worsen when the head is elevated, or the horse moves up or down slopes.

Can a horse get EPM twice?

A: The short answer is, yes, horses with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) can relapse.

What should I feed my horse with EPM?

Dietary and Management Recommendations

1. Low starch, high fiber and added fat are recommended since there is an increased incidence of digestive disturbances (diarrhea) as a side effect of treatment.
2. Folic acid and vitamin E have been found to aid in nerve healing and should be included in the daily regimen.

What is the best treatment for EPM in horses?

Because EPM is an inflammatory disease, the use of anti-inflammatory medications can also be helpful. Flunixin meglumine (banamine) is commonly given to moderately or severely affected horses during the first 3-7 days of therapy.

Can you treat EPM naturally?

The nutrient that is most commonly focused on for horses with EPM is Vitamin E. Supplementation with high levels of natural Vitamin E are often encouraged, as Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that supports nerve function and the immune system. Levels of 5,000 to 10,000 IU per day are recommended during treatment.

Can you breed a mare with EPM?

Fast Facts. EPM can affect horses of any age, breed or gender. EPM cannot be passed from horse to horse. Caused by a protozoa, horses acquire EPM through pasture hay, grain, and water contaminated with opossum feces.

How common is EPM in horses?

EPM causes clinical disease in approximately one percent of exposed horses. Almost every part of the country has reported cases of EPM. However, the incidence of disease is much lower in the western United States, especially in regions with small opossum populations.