Neurology
The Equine Medical Center is ideally equipped with the following specialized facilities to manage the diagnosis, treatment, and care of horses with diseases affecting the nervous system.
- Isolation unit
- On-site diagnostic laboratory for rapid test results
- State-of-the-art diagnostic imaging equipment
- Padded stalls
- Well-stocked pharmacy
Neurologic disorder symptoms
Equine neurological problems can manifest in a variety of ways:
- Altered gait
- Incoordination
- Abnormal behavior
- Seizures
Cases of neurologic disease
Neurologic abnormalities can arise from a number of causes, but are most commonly due to disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system caused by the following:
- Wobbler disease (boney compression of the spinal cord)
- Equine protozoal myelitis (EPM)
- Central nervous system trauma
- Botulism
- Meningitis
- Equine herpes virus
- Myeloencephalitis
- Hypoxic encephalopathy of neonates
Diagnosis and treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for many neurologic problems. Our experts diagnose these disorders through a comprehensive process that includes the following steps:
- A physical examination
- Routine laboratory and blood tests
- Spinal fluid analysis
- Computed tomography (CT) and/or radiographs of the head and neck
Appointments and referrals: 703-771-6800
To schedule an appointment, refer a patient, or inquire about our clinical services, please call 703-771-6800 or email emcinfo@vt.edu.
