Electrophysiological studies in American Quarter horses with neuroaxonal dystrophy.

The research article explores the effects of Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD)/Equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) on American Quarter horses. Specifically, the study aimed to identify if there were any observable eye disease symptoms or functional Electroretinography (ERG)/Electroencephalography (EEG) deficits caused by these conditions.

Objective of the Study

• The primary objective of this research was to identify and describe the electrophysiological characteristics associated with Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) and Equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) in American Quarter horses.

Methodology

• This study engaged a total of 12 American Quarter horses, six of which were affected by NAD/EDM, while the other six were healthy.
• These horses underwent ophthalmic examinations and a series of electroretinograms (ERG).
• Additionally, five from both categories—affected and unaffected—were examined using electroencephalography (EEG).

Findings

• An interesting observation from the study was that both the ophthalmic examinations and the ERGs showed no noteworthy results in the NAD/EDM-affected horses. Similarly, the EEG examinations carried out on the sampled group also didn’t show any significant findings.

Conclusion

• The research concludes that while NAD/EDM are diseases that affect American Quarter horses, they do not seem to lead to visible ocular disease symptoms or functional ERG/EEG deficits. This implies these conditions might manifest differently in horses or may not notably affect their overall eye health and brain wave activity as measured by ERG and EEG.