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E ear mites: infestation by parasites that have invaded the horse's ear
canal, causing inflammation, itching and increased wax formation. Signs can include head shaking and holding the ear drooped to one side. Treatment is generally aimed at killing the mites with insecticides and cleaning the ear of wax and debris that resulted from inflammation. (Sedation usually is needed to accomplish this). earmuffs: a piece of equipment that covers a horse’s ears to prevent it
from hearing distracting sounds or having insects bother its ears. Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE): viral infection of the horse's
brain and spinal cord, which can infect horses, humans and selected birds, transmitted by mosquitoes. Signs can include behavioral changes, loss of appetite and fever. These can progress in 12 to 24 hours to dementia with head pressing, teeth grinding, circling and often blindness. The disease is fatal in up to 90 percent of cases. Surviving horses often have residual mental dullness. Treatment is generally supportive. EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis): one of several contagious types of
encephalomyelitis that causes sickness and death in horses by affecting the central nervous system. EEE is spread by mosquitoes and can affect humans. Can be prevented through annual vaccinations. EIA: Equine Infectious Anemia. A contagious disease characterized by an
intial acute attack of fever, weakness to the point of incoordination and jaundice, as well as other signs. Ensuing attacks result in anemia, emaciation and cardiac insufficiency. It is spread by biting flies and mosquitoes. EIPH: Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. See bleeder.
ELISA: Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay. A form of testing to determine
levels of medication existent in the fluids of horses. encephalitis: inflammation of the brain, usually due to infection.
endometritis: inflammation of the uterine lining, usually due to
infection. endoscope: an instrument used for direct visual inspection of a hollow
organ or body cavity such as the upper airway or stomach. A "fiberoptic endoscope" is comprised of a long, flexible tube that has a series of lenses and a light at the end to allow the veterinarian to view and photograph the respiratory system by insertion through the nostrils and air passageways. Other internal organs may be viewed by inserting the endoscope through a surgical opening. A "video endoscope" has a small camera at the tip of the instrument. endotoxemia: blood poisoning that can occur with such serious conditions
as Potomac horse fever, colitis, grain overload, severe colic, Salmonella infection, respiratory tract infection or uterine infection. As bacteria die a natural death, they release a miniscule amount of toxin that has no effect on the horse unless the bacteria are present in larger-than-usual numbers. In such a case, the dose of toxin the horse absorbs can cause endotoxemia. This condition is the biggest killer of horses from non-traumatic causes, and is the cause of death in most fatal colics. endotoxin: a substance produced by bacteria that, when absorbed into the
horse's body, can cause endotoxic shock. enterolith: a "stone" in the horse's intestinal tract, made of minerals
present in the feed and/or intestinal secretions, and usually formed around a foreign body, such as a small piece of debris. Small, pebble-like enteroliths can be swept out with the manure, or can remain in the intestinalo tract where they grow larger, later interfering with manure passage. Treatment often includes removal by surgery. If enteroliths are small enough, removal by regular administration of a bulk laxative can be used. Dietary changes may also be prescribed. entire: an ungelded horse.
entrapped epiglottis: a condition in which the thin membrane lying below
the epiglottis moves up and covers the epiglottis. The abnormality may obstruct breathing. Usually treated by surgery to cut the membrane if it impairs respiratory function. epiglottis: a triangular-shaped cartilage that lies at the base of the
airway just in front of the arytenoids cartilages. It covers the airway during swallowing to prevent the entry of foreign bodies. It is normally located above (dorsal to) the soft palate. EPM: infection of the brain and spinal cord by a protozoan called
Sarcocystis neurona.The protozoa are spread by the definitive host the opossum, which aquires the organism from scavenging carcasses of cats, raccoons, skunks, armadillos and possibly even from harbor seals and sea otters. Horses become infected by eating on contaminated areas where opossums droppings are present. Signs can vary widely and may include weakness, staggering, head tilt, dysphagia and/or seizures. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and spinal tap of the horse. equine influenza: a contagious viral disease of the upper respiratory
tract. Symptoms may include cough, fever, muscle soreness and nasal discharge. Treatment is generally supportive. Rest until at least two weeks after the cough has resolved is an important component of successful treatment, since premature return to work can prolong the cough. Vaccination is the most effective means of prevention. equine viral arteritis (EVA): a contagious viral disease spread by casual
contact or by breeding with a previously infected mate. If mares are infected while pregnant, they will usually abort. Affected horses are sick and contagious for a week to 10 days with flu-like symptoms. Most victims recover completely with proper nursing care (but can spread the disease to others after recovery, via sexual contact). equipment: see bandage; bar shoe; bit; blinkers; bridle; earmuffs; halter;
hood; nose band; overgirth; reins; saddle cloth; saddle pad; shadow roll; shank; stirrups, breast plate; foregirth; martingale. estrous cycle: the length of time between consecutive ovulations.
estrus (heat): associated with ovulation; a mare usually is receptive to
breeding during estrus. The mare’s behavior at this time is referred to as "horsing." euthanasia: elective termination of the horse’s life for humane reasons. EVA (equine viral arteritis): a highly contagious disease that is characterized by swelling in the legs of all horses and swelling in the scrotum of stallions; can cause abortion in mares and can be shed in the semen of stallions for years after infection. extensor tendon: tendon of a muscle that extends the knee (carpus) joint. |
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American Association of Equine Practitioners |
