Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is one of the most serious and misunderstood neurological conditions affecting horses, particularly high-performance horses. It’s an illness that can cause a range of symptoms, from subtle changes in behavior to full-blown lameness and loss of coordination. For performance horses, whose success relies heavily on their physical coordination and ability to perform at high speeds, EPM can be a major roadblock. In this blog post, we’ll explore what EPM is, how it affects performance horses, how it is treated, and how Oxygen Equine products can play an important role in managing and supporting horses with EPM.

What is EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis)?

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a neurological disease caused by a protozoan parasite called Sarcocystis neurona. The parasite is typically spread through opossum feces, which contaminate feed or water sources that horses may ingest. Once the horse ingests the contaminated material, the parasite travels to the horse’s central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord.

Infected horses experience inflammation and damage to the brain and spinal cord, leading to a range of neurological symptoms. EPM is one of the leading causes of neurological disease in horses, and while the disease is most common in North America, it can occur anywhere horses are exposed to opossum droppings.

How Does EPM Affect Performance Horses?

EPM can cause significant impairment in a horse’s ability to function, and it can be particularly problematic for performance horses who rely on perfect coordination, balance, and quick movements. Some of the primary ways EPM can affect performance horses include:

• Loss of Coordination (Ataxia): EPM often affects the horse’s coordination, leading to ataxia (loss of control of limb movement). This is often most apparent at the hindquarters, causing the horse to drag its hind legs or stumble. This lack of coordination can affect a horse’s ability to navigate tight turns and high-speed maneuvers.

• Weakness and Lameness: Horses with EPM may develop muscle weakness, particularly in the hind limbs, making it difficult to push off from the ground or maintain a consistent stride. In performance disciplines, this can severely affect the horse’s ability to complete fast runs.

• Behavioral Changes: EPM can cause horses to act oddly, showing signs of irritability or sensitivity to touch. These behavioral changes can be particularly concerning in performance horses, where focus and calm demeanor are crucial for success.

• Difficulty with Balance: Affected horses may appear unbalanced, swaying or having difficulty standing still. This can result in issues with the horse’s posture, making it difficult for them to maintain the correct position during tight turns or in other high-stress situations.

• Facial Paralysis and Drooping: In more severe cases of EPM, a horse may experience facial paralysis, leading to drooping of one side of the face, difficulty chewing, or drooling. This condition can be painful and prevent the horse from eating or drinking properly.

How is EPM Diagnosed?

Diagnosing EPM can be challenging due to the wide variety of symptoms that overlap with other conditions. However, veterinarians typically use a combination of diagnostic tools, including:

• Blood Tests: A blood test can measure the presence of antibodies to the parasite Sarcocystis neurona. However, the presence of antibodies alone is not definitive, as many horses can carry the parasite without showing symptoms. A positive result may suggest exposure, but not necessarily an active infection.

• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis: The most definitive test for EPM involves analyzing the horse’s cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for evidence of the parasite. CSF is collected from the horse’s spinal column, and a positive result suggests that the infection is active in the central nervous system.

• Clinical Signs: Often, the diagnosis of EPM is made based on clinical signs, such as changes in gait, balance, and behavior, along with the exclusion of other potential causes of the symptoms (like injury or metabolic disorders).

Treatment of EPM

Treatment for EPM is primarily focused on killing the parasite, reducing inflammation, and supporting the horse’s recovery. Some of the most common treatment options include:

• Antiprotozoal Medications: The primary treatment for EPM involves antiprotozoal medications, such as Ponazuril or Diclazuril. These medications target the parasite and work to eliminate it from the horse’s central nervous system.

• Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord caused by the parasite can lead to further neurological damage. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as phenylbutazone or flunixin meglumine, can be used to reduce swelling and pain.

• Muscle Support and Rehabilitation: Horses with EPM often need supportive care to help them regain muscle strength and coordination. Physical therapy, light exercise, and proper nutrition are all part of the rehabilitation process.

• Nutritional Supplements: Since EPM causes muscle wasting and neurological deficits, nutritional support is crucial to help the horse recover. Supplements like EPM Oxy Pellets, which support the immune system and normal cell regulation, can play an important role in the recovery process.

How to Prevent EPM in Performance Horses

While complete prevention of EPM is difficult, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of infection:

• Limit Exposure to Opossums: Since EPM is transmitted through opossum feces, limiting exposure to wildlife—particularly opossums—is key. Ensure that feed, water, and hay are stored in areas where wildlife cannot access them.

• Clean Feed and Water Sources: Make sure to regularly clean your horse’s feed and water sources to reduce the chances of contamination by fecal matter. Consider using feed containers that prevent wildlife from coming into contact with your horse’s food.

• Keep Your Stable and Pasture Clean: Ensure that your barn or stable is well-maintained and free from wildlife. Keeping your environment clean and free of fecal contamination will help reduce the risk of EPM.

• Monitor Your Horse’s Health: Regular health checks and keeping an eye on your horse’s neurological and behavioral changes can help catch EPM early, increasing the chances of successful treatment.

How Oxygen Equine Products Can Help Manage EPM with EPM Oxy Pellets

EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis) is a challenging condition for horses, and while there is no cure, Oxygen Equine's EPM Oxy Pellets offer targeted support for horses affected by this disease. The EPM Oxy Pellets are specifically formulated to assist in the recovery process by supporting the nervous system and immune function.

These pellets provide vital nutrients that are essential for the health of the brain and spinal cord during EPM treatment. By reducing inflammation and supporting overall neurological health, EPM Oxy Pellets help improve the body’s ability to recover and heal from the impact of the disease.

Incorporating EPM Oxy Pellets into your horse’s treatment plan can be a valuable addition, offering support for their immune system and aiding in the recovery of neurological functions, ensuring your horse receives the necessary nutrients for a better quality of life while battling EPM.

Conclusion

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a serious neurological condition that can severely affect a performance horse’s ability to perform at a high level. By understanding the symptoms, diagnosing the disease early, and utilizing proper treatment and nutritional support, you can help your horse recover and return to its best performance.

Incorporating products like EPM Oxy Pellets can provide valuable support during recovery, reducing inflammation, supporting the nervous system, and promoting muscle health. For more information on how these products can help manage EPM in your horse, visit oxygenequine.com.