Management of headshaking in three horses by treatment for protozoal myeloencephalitis.

The research is about how three horses, showing symptoms of headshaking, were successfully treated for a neurological disorder called Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM), which was found to be the cause of the headshaking.

Understanding Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis and headshaking

• Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a neurological disorder in horses that affects the brain and spinal cord. Headshaking in horses is less common in Missouri and surrounding states, yet it was found to be related to EPM based on the study of three horses treated for this symptom.
• Headshaking in this context refers to abnormal, constant, and seemingly involuntary shaking of horse’s head. It was linked to EPM in these cases, which indicates that it might be a symptom or behavioral effect of the mentioned neurological disorder.

Detection and Treatment

• The researchers identified EPM as the potential cause of headshaking based on neurological examinations, wherein they looked for signs related to brain or spinal cord disorder. Besides, an analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (fluid found in the brain and spinal cord) was done, which likely showed evidence of the parasites causing EPM.
• After noting the presence of EPM in the horses, they started treatment using potentiated sulphonamides and pyrimethamine, drugs generally used for killing the parasites responsible for EPM.
• These horses responded well to the treatment and their headshaking behavior, identified as a symptom of EPM, was successfully treated.

Implications of the Study

• The study underscores the importance of looking for underlying causes of unusual or abnormal behavior like headshaking in horses. While more common disorders or causes might be initially suspected, it emphasizes the need to consider less common issues such as EPM.
• By pointing out successful treatment of headshaking through treating EPM, it suggests that horses exhibiting this behavior might benefit from being checked for EPM and if present, treated for it.
• Overall, the research expands our understanding of EPM, identifying headshaking as a potential effect or symptom, and showing that treating EPM can resolve this.