MAY 1997 BACK ISSUE
Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. 11/6/97.
Equine Motor Neuron Disease
News from MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION
45 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, Co 80112 * 303/790-2345
Dr. John F. Cummings Memorial Study:
Equine Motor Neuron Disease (EMND) is a progressive neurologic disease that leads to permanent disability or death in horses. EMND is thought to be associated with stress created by imbalances in mineral and antioxidant levels in the nervous tissues. Scientists believe that a deficiency of certain antioxidant vitamins and pro-oxidant minerals administered at high levels can produce the neuronal cell death seen in EMND.
Dr. John F. Cummings was awarded a grant for a Morris Animal Foundation-sponsored study entitled "High Copper/ Iron Diets and the Risk of Motor Neuron Disease in Vitamin E-deficient Horses" at Cornell University. Sadly, Dr. Cummings passed away suddenly in Fall 1996. This study is dedicated to the Dr. F. Cummings Memorial Study and is co-sponsored by Mark and Deborah L. Carter (in memory of her horse, Ramon), and by Ruth Anne and Paul Leibman.
Dr. Thomas J. Divers, originally a co-investigator with Dr. Cummings, is now principal investigator for this study along with co-investigator Drs. Hussni O. Mohammed, Alexander de Lahunta and Harold Hintz.
Compelling evidence has recently shown similarities between EMND and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lew Gehrig's disease in humans. Both diseases may be caused by complex oxidative stress imbalances which result in severe neuromuscular disabilities.
Horses showing symptoms of EMND have depressed levels of vitamin E and increased activity of copper and iron elements in tissues. The investigators are studying the dietary approach to this affliction. The team of scientists hypothesize that this disease can result from improper levels of these elements occurring in the horse's diet.
In this three-year study, the investigators are testing their hypothesis in the hopes that information gathered will lead to effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of EMND. The investigators also plan to use their findings for possible modifications in recommendation standards for the levels of vitamin E, copper, iron and other metals in horse feed.