<<< back to article list

365 Days in Horse Country - Encephalomyelitis


Blog by Michael Stuart Webb | June 14th, 2013


365 Days in Horse Country –  Encephalomyelitis
 


A number of viral diseases affect the horse, including encephalomyelitis, which used to wreak havoc with horse populations.  Fortunately, vaccines for this illness are in widespread use and have kept epidemics to a minimum.  Encephalomyelitis is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.  The best way to prevent the disease is to c\vaccinate regularly.

Encephalomyelitis can be found in three strains: Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE), Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE), and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis.   Each strain can cause severe neurological symptoms and death.

Horses infected with the encephalomyelitis virus can be lethargic, have no appetite, and run a high fever.  Some get diarrhea.  If the horse isn’t able to fight off the virus, the next set of symptoms can include circling, seizures, and stumbling.  A more progressive symptom is head pressing, blindness, and coma.  Death shortly follows.

Diagnosis of encephalomyelitis can be made with a blood test, although some vets begin treating the disease based on symptoms.  Because encephalomyelitis is caused by a virus, no cure is known.  Supportive care, such as intravenous fluids, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-diarrhea medications, can help the animal fight off the disease.


Michael