## Overview Equine motor neuron disease (EMND) is an acquired degeneration of lower motor neurons strongly associated with prolonged vitamin E deficiency (usually from long-term lack of green pasture). Affected horses show muscle wasting, trembling, weight shifting, and excessive lying down. Retinal lipofuscin deposits are a characteristic finding. ## Causes Chronic vitamin E deficiency in adult horses with limited or no access to pasture. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs, low serum vitamin E, muscle biopsy, and ophthalmic examination for retinal pigment. Electromyography supports the diagnosis. ## Treatment High-dose vitamin E supplementation. Some horses stabilize or improve mildly; others continue to decline. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded. Early supplementation offers the best chance of stabilization. Many horses are eventually euthanized. ## Prevention Ensure adequate vitamin E intake, especially for horses without pasture access.
generalized muscle wasting (especially epaxial and quadriceps); trembling; weight shifting; low head carriage; excessive recumbency; retinal lipofuscin
## Overview Equine motor neuron disease (EMND) is an acquired degeneration of lower motor neurons strongly associated with prolonged vitamin E deficiency (usually from long-term lack of green pasture). Affected horses show muscle wasting, trembling, weight shifting, and excessive lying down. Retinal lipofuscin deposits are a characteristic finding. ## Causes Chronic vitamin E deficiency in adult horses with limited or no access to pasture. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs, low serum vitamin E, muscle biopsy, and ophthalmic examination for retinal pigment. Electromyography supports the diagnosis. ## Treatment High-dose vitamin E supplementation. Some horses stabilize or improve mildly; others continue to decline. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded. Early supplementation offers the best chance of stabilization. Many horses are eventually euthanized. ## Prevention Ensure adequate vitamin E intake, especially for horses without pasture access.
generalized muscle wasting (especially epaxial and quadriceps); trembling; weight shifting; low head carriage; excessive recumbency; retinal lipofuscin