E. Definitively it is made post-mortem (see oxidative damage). EPM, Wobblers, WNV need to be ruled out. Treatment of EDM is the daily administration of 1000 – 3000 IU of vitamin E intramuscularly for one week following the onset of clinical signs, followed by the oral supplementation of 6000 IU daily until the horse is mature. Prognosis is poor for full recovery though most animals treated with high dose vitamin E supplementation show some improvement. If an individual is unable to stand euthanasia is recommended, as prognosis for recovery is grave. Prevention of EDM is thought to be possible through the supplementation of vitamin E to foals that come from families known to develop EDM.
Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA)
Cerebellar abiotrophy is a condition in which there is
degeneration of
cerebellar tissue.
Etiology is genetic caused by a recessive gene. Arabians are predisposed.
Purkinje cells within the cerebellum degenerate shortly after birth resulting in reduced signals between the cerebellum & other parts of the nervous system. Clinically the foal appears normal at birth, but S&S start around 6 weeks of age. This includes; ataxia, intention most notable in the head, hypermetria, wide base stance and have a swaying/wobbling gait. These foals startle easily and lack a menace response. Definitive diagnosis is made post-mortem. S&S, case history, DNA testing, MRI and CT scan are used.
There is no cure for CA, euthanasia is recommended in severe cases.
Currently, genetic testing is still in research phases.
Horner’s Syndrome
Horner’s syndrome is caused by loss of the
innervation.
It is caused by trauma to the post-ganglionic fibres of the thoracic or cervical sympathetic chain. Trauma causes paralysis or paresis of the sympathetic nerves affecting the face, the eye and the neck. Gutteral pouch infections can predispose as major cranial nerves that carry sympathetic information to the face run through the guttural pouch.
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