Equine Neurological Conditions

The existence of equine neurological conditions may come as a surprise to many people. However, the fact of the matter is that–like people–horses may suffer from neurological disorders as well, and the effects can be equally debilitating.

Similarity of equine neurological conditions with viral infection and parasitic infestation

Most of the diseases that commonly affect horses are caused by either viruses, or parasites known as protozoa. It is important to note that an infected animal may display symptoms similar to equine neurological conditions. For this reason, it is important to subject the animal to through testing in order to determine the actual cause of illness. This will enable veterinarians to prescribe the proper course of treatment, whether the illness is indeed one of the equine neurological conditions or it is caused by viruses or parasites.

Types of equine neurological conditions

There are actually four major causes of equine neurological conditions. These are:

  • Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis Virus
  • Equine Herpes Virus Type 1
  • West Nile Virus
  • Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis

Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis Virus

Neurological conditions caused by the Eastern and Western equine encephalitis virus may occur when the animal is bitten by a virus-carrying mosquito. Among the symptoms of such an infection are lethargic behavior, muscle deterioration, and impaired coordination. Such conditions are untreatable, and usually lead to the death of the animal. Most treatment methods for these types of conditions therefore consist of symptom management rather than attempting a cure for the disease. Vaccines have been proven effective in preventing such neurological conditions in mature animals. However, foals whose immature immune systems have yet to develop fully are often attacked by such equine neurological conditions even if they have been vaccinated.

Equine Herpes Virus Type 1

Equine herpes virus type 1 or EHV-1 is one of the most dangerous equine neurological conditions since it is hard to detect. The reason for this is that the condition starts out as what appears to be a disease of the respiratory system, but later shows signs of affecting the central nervous system. Among the most common symptoms of such neurological conditions are the weakening of the hind legs, difficulty in urinating and/or defecating, and even paralysis. Like other neurological conditions, this can also cause the death of the animal. Worse still, the disease can only be managed–not treated–and even then, only after the disease has taken hold and the symptoms have appeared.

West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus or WNV is yet another on of those equine neurological conditions spread by virus carrying mosquitoes. Among the most common symptoms of this condition are violent behavior, lethargy, impaired movement, and fever. Horses may also be vaccinated as protection against these types of equine neurological conditions.

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis or EPM is a condition affecting the central nervous system of the animal. Like other equine neurological conditions, this also results in deterioration of muscles, lethargy, and impaired coordination, particularly in the hind legs.