Diseases

Question 1

equine protozoal encephalitis (EPM)

Answer 1

• Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), is a disease caused by the apicomplexan parasite Sarcocystis neuronathat affects the central nervous system of horses
• Important for horses that may have traveled from the USA to the UK!

Question 2

Type of Abscess that is common in Rabbits

Answer 2

• Ear base abscesses

Question 3

Which species do not have a consistent Menace response normally?

Answer 3

PREY ANIMALS

e. g. rabbits
* Rabbits and many other prey species do not consistently have a menace response, so this is not considered abnormal

Question 4

Encephalitozoon cuniculi

(and Tx)

Answer 4

• Encephalitozoon cuniculi (previously classified as a parasite, now a fungus -fungal pathogen) is a very common infection in rabbits and can result in acute onset central vestibular disease
• E. cuniculi is a protozoan parasite that causes the disease encephalitozoonosis. It primarily affects the nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and kidneys.
• E. cuniculi spores are spread in urine from an infected rabbit and are then eaten (or less commonly, inhaled) to infect another rabbit.
• An obligate intracellular parasite, E. cuniculi occurs in laboratory mice, rabbits, monkeys, dogs, rats, birds, guinea pigs, and other mammals including humans
• PCR of feces and urine of the infected individual can help identify the parasite (note: spores are only spread intermittently)
• histo and PCR of the affected organs may be extremely helpful as well GI epithelium, CNS, Lungs, Liver, Heart
• 28 immediate treatment with fenbendazole indicated