Disorders of the Spinal Column and Cord in Horses

Vertebral osteomyelitis is inflammation of the vertebra without concurrent disc infection, and discospondylitis is inflammation of the intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebral bodies. Both diseases are usually caused by an infection spread through the blood to the spine. In horses, newly born animals are at greatest risk for these conditions.

Equine infectious anemia Equine Infectious Anemia Equine infectious anemia is a bloodborne infection that affects horses and other equids. It is caused by a virus. In many infected animals, the signs of illness are minimal, but in other instances... read more usually affects the spinal cord but occasionally infects the brain in horses. Neurologic signs include lack of coordination and weakness in the hind legs. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid is required for diagnosis. There is no treatment, and affected horses are usually euthanized to prevent spread of the disease.

Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) myeloencephalopathy can affect horses of any age; however, horses older than 4 years are most susceptible. Although there is a vaccine for the virus that protects against the respiratory disease it causes, the vaccine does not protect from the neurological disease. Equine herpesvirus-1 infects blood vessels within the central nervous system and causes cell death and bleeding throughout the brain and spinal cord. The neurologic signs may be the first sign of the disease, or they may occur after a respiratory infection or an abortion. Signs begin abruptly but usually do not progress after 48 hours. They include urine dribbling, retention of feces, sensory deficits in the perineum and tail, mild lack of coordination in the hind legs, and possibly paralysis and an inability to rise after lying down. There is no specific treatment, but mildly affected horses often recover with supportive care. Some horses that cannot rise also eventually recover. The antiviral drug acyclovir has been advocated for treatment and prevention of EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy; however, the effectiveness is uncertain and still controversial.

Rabies Rabies in Horses Rabies is an acute viral infection of the nervous system that mainly affects carnivores and bats, although it can affect any mammal. It is caused by the rabies virus. Once signs appear, it is... read more is caused by a virus that travels through the nervous system, causing inflammation in the spinal cord and brain. It produces multiple areas of inflammation, causing incoordination and progressive paralysis. It is always fatal, typically causing death within 2-7 days of signs of illness.

Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common fungus to cause a central nervous system infection in dogs and cats, and is seen occasionally in horses. Other fungal organisms may also invade the central nervous system. Infections often affect other organs, such as the lungs, eyes, skin, or bones. Signs of spinal cord infection include partial or total paralysis and spinal pain. Blood or cerebrospinal fluid tests are necessary to diagnose an infection and identify the organism.

Treatment and the outlook for recovery depend on the specific fungus involved. The drug fluconazole is often effective for Cryptococcus infections. Infections with Blastomyces or Histoplasma fungi are difficult to treat, and the outlook for recovery in horses infected with these fungi is uncertain.

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a neurologic disease of horses that occurs in endemic form in the Americas and sporadically in other countries. The endemic form is caused by ingesting... read more causes signs of spinal cord disease and encephalitis (brain inflammation) in horses. It results from an infection with Sarcocystis neurona, which is carried by opossums. In a few cases it is caused by infection with other protozoa. Any age horse can be affected, although signs are very rare in horses less than 12 months old. Signs vary depending on the location of the infection. A loss of motor control and partial paralysis of the legs are common. Other potential signs include weakness and wasting of leg muscles and cranial nerve dysfunction. Diagnosis is based on signs, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, and response to drug treatment. Many horses recover with treatment, but permanent neurologic damage is possible. Prevention is difficult but involves keeping opossums away from the horse and its feed and water.

Verminous myelitis and encephalitis are inflammatory conditions of the spinal cord and brain, respectively, caused by a parasite. The most common such parasites in horses are Setaria species, Halicephalobus deletrix, and Strongylus vulgaris. Signs of central nervous system inflammation strike suddenly, often affecting one side of the body more than the other, and may worsen over time. This condition is difficult to diagnosis, but may be suspected on the basis of cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Drug treatment can be beneficial, but a full recovery is uncertain.