Neurology

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Causes of bizarre gait abnormality in horses investigated

California researchers found that "sidewinder" syndrome is associated with a variety of equine conditions and injuries.

Most cases of equine herpesvirus-1 infection cause only mild to moderate respiratory illness but occasionally some lead to life-threatening neurologic disease.

Florida horse diagnosed with neurologic equine herpes myeloencephalopathy

The horse, who is currently quarantined, is experiencing ataxia, hind-end weakness and an inability to urinate. All of these are common neurologic signs associated with EHV-1.

Signs of EPM include incoordination, transient lameness, lethargy, weakness and gait changes.

The possibility of EPM relapse

Most EPM cases respond to treatment but a return of signs months or even years later may signal relapse, and a new round of treatment may be needed.