Videos of Horses With Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)

One challenge in recognizing Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is understanding its symptoms. Veterinarians often use terms unfamiliar to the average horse owner to describe the disease's stages and symptoms. There is no fixed set of symptoms; some are vague or atypical, making diagnosis difficult.

One effective way to understand EPM better is by observing horses with the disease to see how each symptom manifests. You can also view tests used to assess the instability that accompanies EPM. If no horses with EPM are nearby, video resources on YouTube allow you to see the symptoms and learn about diagnosis. Additionally, research on interesting treatments is ongoing.

Symptoms and Field Tests

Pathogenes Inc. has posted several videos of EPM affected horses. These videos showcase various symptoms and include an instructional video on field test preparation. If you suspect your horse has EPM, the page provides guidance on creating a video to email the symptoms.

An owner demonstrates how muscle and balance tests used in diagnosing EPM. However, performing these tests should not replace a veterinary diagnosis. Prompt and consistent veterinary care increases the likelihood of recovery for horses with EPM.

This horse has a suspected case of EPM. The video shows the possible evidence of the parasite’s infection. 

Weakness

This video clip was taken in 2008 and shows a pinto horse with EPM that is very weak, unable to coordinate its limbs to back up.

Muscle Atrophy

Although there is no video, this photo clearly depicts muscle atrophy, where the muscle shrinks, a devasting symptom of EPM. In this horse, there's significant atrophy on one haunch side, while the other remains normal. Sadly, atrophy is irreversible and cannot be treated.

Treatment

Dr. Samuel Hurcombe from The Ohio State University presents a horse with EPM symptoms in this video and discusses potential treatment strategies for the disease.

Unfortunately, not all horses with EPM can be saved. This video depicts a chestnut horse with the disease that was humanely euthanized a few days later for safety reasons, as unstable horses can injure themselves or others if they fall.

Advances in medical science have benefited horses, with stem cell therapy being a particularly promising field. This video tracks the progress of a gaited mare who has been given stem cell therapy is tracked over six months.