1-855-957-8378
🚚 FREE SHIPPING on All U.S. Orders Over $200
Benefab®
Cart 0
  • Home
  • Shop

    Horse Products 17

    People Products 8

    Dog Products 4

    Bundles 4

  • Press
  • Blog
  • Pre-Loved
  • Dealers
  • Wishlist
Australia (AUD $)
Belgium (EUR €)
Canada (CAD $)
Costa Rica (CRC ₡)
Czechia (CZK Kč)
France (EUR €)
Germany (EUR €)
Italy (EUR €)
Japan (JPY ¥)
New Zealand (NZD $)
United Kingdom (GBP £)
United States (USD $)
English
Benefab®
  • Shop

    Horse Products 17

    People Products 8

    Dog Products 4

    Bundles 4

  • Press
  • Blog
  • Pre-Loved
  • Dealers
Wishlist Cart 0

Search our store

Benefab®
Wishlist Cart 0
Home / Blog
Blog

The Need to Know About EPM in Horses

May 23, 2014
EPM in Horses By Emily Konkel Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, or more commonly known as EPM, is a neurological disease caused by a parasite called Sarcocystis neurona. This parasite is found in opossums. Horses can contract this disease by eating or drinking the feces of an opossum. Symptoms The symptoms of EPM are commonly known as the three A’s: Asymmetrical ataxia (uncoordinated) with or without muscle atrophy (degeneration). Other symptoms include: - Abnormal sweating - Difficulty swallowing - Seizures - Paralysis of muscles of the eyes, face or front limbs - Loss of feeling along the face, neck or body - Stiff muscles - Abnormal gait or lameness - Uncoordination and weakness when going up or down slopes or when the head is elevated - Muscles atrophy along the top line or hindquarters Treatment and Prevention EPM is treatable but damage to the nervous system can be irreversible. The best thing you can do for your horse is to identify the disease early with antiprotozoal drugs. These drugs do not kill the parasite but they do minimize the infection. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Banamine or Bute can help to reduce inflammation and limit damage to the central nervous system. Unfortunately no vaccine is available for this disease. The best way to prevent this disease is to properly store your hay and feed. Keep them clean and make sure unwanted animals do not have access to it. Also, control the opossums on your property and promptly discard of any carcasses. For more information on EPM visit: http://americashorsedaily.com/epm-symptoms-in-horses/#.U3v1x2RDtR4 or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equine_protozoal_myeloencephalitis
Previous
Barn Fire Protection Plan
Next
How One Horse Can Shape an Entire Equine Career: A story about Talented Rider, Judy Garofalo-Torres

Related Articles

What You Should Know About Hock Injections
July 04, 2025

What You Should Know About Hock Injections

If your horse feels off, like dragging behind or having rough transitions, it could be...
Read more
Essential Oils for Dogs
June 27, 2025

Essential Oils for Dogs

It’s no secret that essential oils have become a household favorite for everything from stress...
Read more
Clipping Cattle for Show: A Complete Guide
June 20, 2025

Clipping Cattle for Show: A Complete Guide

Whether you're preparing for a local fair or a major livestock competition, grooming your animal...
Read more
Chia Seeds for Horses
May 22, 2025

Chia Seeds for Horses

Chia seeds are a great supplement to any diet. They are small seeds harvested from...
Read more

Recent Posts

What You Should Know About Hock Injections
What You Should Know About Hock Injections
Essential Oils for Dogs
Essential Oils for Dogs
Clipping Cattle for Show: A Complete Guide
Clipping Cattle for Show: A Complete Guide
Chia Seeds for Horses
Chia Seeds for Horses
Common Diseases of Cattle
Common Diseases of Cattle
White Line Disease in Horses
White Line Disease in Horses
What Causes Diabetes in Dogs?
What Causes Diabetes in Dogs?
Can Horses Have Allergies?
Can Horses Have Allergies?
What You Need to Know About White Muscle Disease in Cattle
What You Need to Know About White Muscle Disease in Cattle
Dog Hip Dysplasia Home Treatment
Dog Hip Dysplasia Home Treatment

Focused &
Durable Designs

Products made specifically for you and your pets.

Free U.S. Shippingon All Orders over $200

We have you covered.

We Back Our
Products 100%

It's our customer promise.

BRAND PARTNERS

  • Become a Dealer
  • Become an Affiliate
  • Become a Registered Nonprofit
  • Logins for Dealer
  • Logins for Affiliate
  • Affiliate Resources
  • Meet our Ambassadors

CUSTOMER SERVICE

  • Contact
  • Shipping
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Money Back Guarantee
  • Warranty & Return Policy
  • Medical / Brand Disclaimer
  • FAQs

ABOUT BENEFAB

  • Why Choose Benefab?
  • The Benefab Story
  • Parables Podcast
  • Our Sister Brands
  • Media Inquiries
  • Blog
© 2013 -2025 Benefab®. Property of the Naar Boven Corporation. All rights reserved. Powered by TCW Digital
Payment options:
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Visa

Confirm your age

Are you 18 years old or older?

Come back when you're older

Sorry, the content of this store can't be seen by a younger audience. Come back when you're older.