Fighting infection
Infections can reach the nervous system through the bloodstream or open wounds. It’s important to know if there are any potential risks in your area, be cautious, and protect your horse with good hygiene practices and, if necessary, vaccination. Horses are sensitive to tetanus, a serious and often deadly disease. Its toxins can lead to permanent muscle spasms by blocking the inhibitory neurons in the spinal cord. It’s highly advisable to vaccinate your horse, and it’s mandatory for competitions. Botulism is less common but has a similar mechanism. The toxin blocks neurotransmitters, resulting in paralysis. Herpes virus type 1 (EHV-1) generally presents as a respiratory disease, but it can have neurological effects, commonly characterised by fever and loss of balance. Infectious encephalopathies, which are transmitted by mosquitos, are more common in countries other than the UK. However, due to the high mobility of horses across countries and continents, vets are always on the lookout for them. Rabies is a fatal neurological disease that can affect many species of animal. In countries like Morocco, or some states in North America, it’s common in horses.