Neurological diseases in horses are varied and diagnosis can be complicated.  Neurological problems can be associated with central nervous system abnormalities such as traumatic injury, EPM (equine protozoal myelitis/myeloencephalitis), viral encephalitis (West Nile virus, equine herpesvirus, eastern/western encephalitis), degenerative diseases, rabies, osteoarthritis or meningitis.  Problems in other body systems can also cause neurological symptoms.  Diseases of the liver, kidneys, or musculoskeletal system can directly affect the nervous system or cause signs that mimic neurological disease.  Auburn offers thorough neurological examinations by specialists in equine internal medicine to help determine if the horse’s signs are due to problems with the central nervous system, or a disease in another body system.  Diagnostic tests available at Auburn include MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT scan (computed tomography), nuclear scintigraphy, EMG (electromyography), BAER testing, serum antibody tests (for EPM, EEE, WEE, EHV-1), spinal radiography, myelography, intra-articular injection of facet joints, skull radiographs, and endoscopy of the guttural pouches.  Treatment of these patients can be labor intensive and long in duration.  Auburn offers short and long term therapy for neurological patients in climate-controlled stalls with padded walls, or if necessary, with the assistance of specially designed slings for horses.