Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurologic conditions in the sport horse

“…Mild cases may therefore present for performance-related concerns and can be difficult to discern from a lameness condition. EDM sometimes remains undetected for years unless the horse specifically undergoes a neurological examination ( Carr and Maher, 2014 ; MacKay, 2015 ). Personal experience (unpublished results) has shown that late-onset EDM may also be recognized in older horses (often 5- to 15-year-old warmbloods or less frequently other breeds) that initially present with behavior changes (altered personality, spooking, bolting, refusing fences) and subsequent ataxia, where a diagnosis of EDM can ultimately be confirmed on necropsy.…”

“…Natural vitamin E (RRR-α-tocopherol) has a notably higher bioavailability and potency than synthetic vitamin E (all rac-α-tocopherol acetate or DL-α-tocopherol) ( Finno and Valberg, 2012 ) and is commonly supplemented at 10–20 IU/kg orally per day in deficient horses (5,000–10,000 IU per horse). Dietary fat is required for intestinal absorption, so Vitamin E should be given with feed or vegetable oil ( MacKay, 2015 ).…”