## Overview Equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) is a diffuse neurodegenerative disease of the brainstem and spinal cord associated with vitamin E deficiency in genetically predisposed young horses. It causes symmetric ataxia and weakness, worse in the hind limbs, with onset usually before two years of age. Neuroaxonal dystrophy is a related milder form. ## Causes Genetic susceptibility plus inadequate vitamin E (often from lack of green pasture). ## Diagnosis Clinical signs in a young horse, low serum vitamin E, and exclusion of other causes of ataxia. Definitive diagnosis is histologic. ## Treatment Vitamin E supplementation may slow progression if started early. There is no cure. ## Recovery and Prognosis Poor for significant improvement. Many horses are euthanized due to progressive ataxia. ## Prevention Adequate vitamin E, especially in young horses with limited pasture access. Avoid breeding affected lines when possible.
symmetric ataxia and weakness (hind limbs worse); onset before 2 years; base-wide stance; hypermetric gait; no cranial nerve deficits
## Overview Equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) is a diffuse neurodegenerative disease of the brainstem and spinal cord associated with vitamin E deficiency in genetically predisposed young horses. It causes symmetric ataxia and weakness, worse in the hind limbs, with onset usually before two years of age. Neuroaxonal dystrophy is a related milder form. ## Causes Genetic susceptibility plus inadequate vitamin E (often from lack of green pasture). ## Diagnosis Clinical signs in a young horse, low serum vitamin E, and exclusion of other causes of ataxia. Definitive diagnosis is histologic. ## Treatment Vitamin E supplementation may slow progression if started early. There is no cure. ## Recovery and Prognosis Poor for significant improvement. Many horses are euthanized due to progressive ataxia. ## Prevention Adequate vitamin E, especially in young horses with limited pasture access. Avoid breeding affected lines when possible.
symmetric ataxia and weakness (hind limbs worse); onset before 2 years; base-wide stance; hypermetric gait; no cranial nerve deficits