Alt. Names: EMND, Equine Motor Neuronopathy, Equine Lower Motor Neuron Disease
Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease.
Definition of Equine Motor Neurone Disease
Equine motor neuron disease (EMND) is a diffuse neurodegenerative disorder affecting the somatic, lower motor neurons of horses. It affects the nerves that supply the direct neurological input into all muscles resulting in muscles atrophy. The exact cause is unknown, but vitamin E deficiency is a primary risk factor. Vitamin E levels were significantly lower in affected horses. Some horses have improved after being allowed on pasture and given supplemental vitamin E.
Symptoms of Equine Motor Neurone Disease
Tremors
Muscle Wasting
Excessive Sweating
Weight loss
Recumbency
Abnormal Change in Gait
Reduced Performance
Difficulty getting up
Balance Issues
Stiff
Weakness
Drooping Tail
Difficulty Swallowing
More common in
United States
Quarter Horses
Middle-aged Horses
Treatment of Equine Motor Neurone Disease
To date there is no evidence to support the effectiveness of a treatment. For affected horses, treatment involves changing the vitamin E level in the diet. The natural source of vitamin E for horses is fresh green grass. Horses that do not have adequate access to pasture may require supplementation. Supplementing with vitamin E (5000 to 8000 IU/day/horse, unassociated to selenium to avoid intoxications) is recommended on the basis of low plasma or tissue concentration, and on the assumption of an oxidative cause to the disease.
Prevention of Equine Motor Neurone Disease
Ensuring that horses receive adequate vitamin E through access to pasture or closely monitored vitamin E supplementation reduces the risk of developing EMND.
How Happie can help you manage your horse's health
Digital health management offers numerous benefits in modern equine healthcare.
With the Happie Horse App, you can track symptom patterns and body values, such as Temperature, Pulse and Respiration. Allowing you to notice abnormal changes in body and behaviour early on, leading to more successful treatments.
The Happie symptom checker allows you to add all of your horse's abnormal symptoms in order to present potential causes and diseases.
Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly. Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis is a