Neurological Disorders

Three of the most common neurological disorders affecting the musculature are equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy, hyperkalemic periodic paralysis and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. These are not the only neurological disorders of the horse but these are once most commonly seen affecting the musculature.

Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy - Whenever there is a large concentration of horses such as at the racetrack, breeding farm or boarding stable, there is a high incidence of viral infections. These animals develop a fever and there is usually evidence of a mild respiratory tract disorder. This may be manifested merely as a cough or a slight nasal discharge. Initially, the animal may show signs of a slight lameness or abnormal gait. As the virus progresses, the animal may appear stiff and show signs of weakness and loss of coordination within the limbs.

After a diagnosis is made, supportive care using the Thermotex Infrared Therapy Systems Blanket can be initiated immediately concurrent with other treatment modalities. Several treatments a day will not only make the animal more comfortable but it will speed the recovery of the muscles from the effects of the virus.

Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP) - This disorder involves the peripheral nerves and musculature. It is a familial disorder that affects pure and part quarter horses in North America. HYPP is similar to hyperkalemic periodic paralysis in people in that these animals undergo episodes of muscular weakness. It is more common in colts than in fillies, and it usually affects horses that are less than 4 years old. These animals appear more than healthy between episodes of weakness. Any stressful stimuli such as exercise, high environmental temperature and transport may hasten a clinical manifestation of this disorder. However, the condition is unpredictable and may occur randomly. Initially, the animal will appear still and will have a drooping of the third eyelid. The horse will begin to sweat, and muscle fasciculation will occur. As the episode progresses, these animals become recumbent and the muscles develop flaccidity. The horse's respiratory and heart rates are usually elevated. The animal will be alert and able to respond to noise and visual stimuli. These episodes usually last between 15 to 20 minutes.

Treatment consists of an intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate, dextrose, potassium free isotonic fluids and insulin. Intravenous administration of calcium gluconate, diluted in a dextrose solution, at a rate of 40-90 mg/Kg usually results in a rapid remission of the clinical signs.

Following one of these episodes, the animal is usually quite stiff and muscle sore. A number of therapy sessions with the Thermotex™ Infrared Therapy Systems Blanket will speed the recovery and hasten the return to athletic competition. These episodes quite commonly occur at a horse show due to the added stress to these animals. A fast recovery is often the difference between a wasted trip and a successful event.

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis - EPM is a debilitating disease that results in asymmetric incoordination, weakness, muscle spasm, and may potentially be fatal. This disorder is causes by the protozoan Sarcocytis falcatula. This organism can affect horses of all ages but is more commonly diagnosed in horses less than four years old.

Treatment of EPM is targeted at eliminating the parasite, reducing inflammation within the nervous tissue and treating any secondary complications. It is these secondary complications within the musculature where the Thermotex™ Infrared Therapy Systems Blanket is employed.

The nervous system becomes incapacitated in its ability to properly stimulate the muscle tissues. This results in a state of incoordination. Once the diagnosis of EPM is made, infrared heat therapy to the musculature should be initiated. If caught in the early stages, recovery from the symptoms can usually be seen in 3 to 4 days. Therapy sessions should be performed using good judgment and will be unique for each case.

Almost all neurological disorders have some effect upon the musculature. These effects range from muscle atrophy in severe cases to slight dysfunction that appears as a mild form of undetermined lameness. Any disorder that has a direct effect upon the musculature can benefit from the Thermotex Infrared Therapy Systems Blanket.