EQUINE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Equine encephalomyelitis refers to a group of viral infections that affect horses and other equine species, including donkeys and mules. It primarily affects the central nervous system, causing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. The disease is caused by several strains of the alphavirus, including Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE), Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE), and Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis (VEE).
Equine encephalomyelitis is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which act as the vectors for the virus. The severity of the disease can vary from mild to severe, with symptoms including fever, depression, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, incoordination, and sometimes seizures. In severe cases, the disease can progress to neurological signs such as circling, head pressing, and paralysis.
Prevention of equine encephalomyelitis primarily involves vaccination, with routine administration of vaccines considered an essential part of equine healthcare. Vaccines are available for each strain of the virus, and horses are often vaccinated annually or semi-annually, depending on the risk of exposure. Additionally, mosquito control measures and minimizing exposure to mosquito breeding grounds are crucial in preventing transmission.
Equine encephalomyelitis can be fatal, especially with the more severe forms of the disease. Treatment mainly focuses on supportive care, including anti-inflammatory medication, fluid therapy, and nursing care. Early diagnosis is important for the best chances of recovery.
Common Misspellings for EQUINE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS
- wquine encephalomyelitis
- squine encephalomyelitis
- dquine encephalomyelitis
- rquine encephalomyelitis
- 4quine encephalomyelitis
- 3quine encephalomyelitis
- e1uine encephalomyelitis
- e2uine encephalomyelitis
- ewuine encephalomyelitis
- eqyine encephalomyelitis
- eqhine encephalomyelitis
- eqjine encephalomyelitis
- eqiine encephalomyelitis
- eq8ine encephalomyelitis
- eq7ine encephalomyelitis
- equune encephalomyelitis
- equjne encephalomyelitis
- equkne encephalomyelitis
- equone encephalomyelitis
Etymology of EQUINE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS
The word "equine encephalomyelitis" is derived from a combination of Latin and Greek roots.
The term "equine" refers to anything related to horses and is derived from the Latin word "equus", meaning horse.
"Encephalomyelitis" is a compound word of Greek origin. "Encephalo-" is derived from the Greek word "enkephalos", which means brain. "Myelitis", on the other hand, is derived from the Greek word "myelos", meaning spinal cord. Together, "encephalomyelitis" refers to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
So, when combined, the term "equine encephalomyelitis" describes a condition characterized by brain and spinal cord inflammation specifically in horses.
