epm?

[gypsyrn]

Does anyone have any hands on experience with a horse diagnosed with EPM? (Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis)
lab and treatment costs? thanks

[Maverick~Zora]

I don't but a gal at the ranch does, when I see her next do you want me to give her your contact info? If so PM me with it, I know I have it but just send it to me again.

[piopico]

I lost my first horse to that-in 2001. I can tell you what we did.....over about 5 years..........but sorry- can't recall the costs anymore.

[spicy-racer]

I am training a VERY nice gld now at the track... He has had the 60 day Marquis (I think that's the name) treatment) so far so good! The treatment I believe is around 2,000- 2,500 for 2 months time costs.... but with OUTSTANDING results! Magic is doing fantanstic, but I am SUPER cautious... TONS of trot on- the- bit warm up! I prey he makes it as his brother made 198,000!!!

[gypsyrn]

Spicy,
how did they come to suspect he had epm?Did he show any deficits on exam? and they say your gld is safe to ride?
This boy is a wonderful well trained horse, a Hanovarian, HUGE at 17.2 and about 1500 pounds and still a little underweight i think any treatment costs will be above the norm because of his size. We are hoping he tests negative, my vet suspects epm as he is dragging his back feet off and on, enough to square the toes. he is in recovery mode right now, and looking better we are hoping that his low energy and the questionable neurologic tests (the old tail pull test) are a result of his poor energy,long standing poor nutrition, (low Hct and platlets). We are having repeat blood work in 2 weeks, and will test him then if he still has questionable neurologic deficits.The test will run about $200. If he is positive we were told he should not be ridden even after treatment due to the risk of him falling. I appreciate any input,we want to do right by him, thanks

[gypsyrn]

I can be contacted at www.loneoakrescue.org

[gypsyrn]

Lordy post bath, as you can see he needs some groceries, this was 2 weeks ago, he already looks better;

farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/3989928643_090c322bde.jpg

can someone tell me how to add the picture rather than the link?

[beckybee]

How old is Lordy? Raz drags his back toes, too and I've wondered off and on if it was neurological or if it was conformational (he's kinda posty like Lordy).

I think I've settled on it being caused by conformation, arthritis and laziness because he can pick up his feet when he needs to and passed the tail pull tests.

Are you doing the blood test or the spinal tap? I was too scared to do the spinal tap and the blood test seemed inconclusive. I guess sometimes vet's recommend treatment without confirmed diagnosis as it is often easier and cheaper.

Interesting article (clinical signs on page 2): www.equisearch.com/horses_care/health/illnesses_injuries/eqepmtest310/

[jenm]

Oct 7, 2009 11:47:48 GMT -5 @gypsyrn said:

can someone tell me how to add the picture rather than the link?

Here you go:

rescuesonly.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=faq&action=display&thread=5751

[gypsyrn]

Beckybee, thanks for that great article
We consulted a second vet and she suggested it was more likely to be arthritis, (he is 19), She also said the blood test (which was what we were thinking) often has false positives, and at his age the disease would not be subtle but very obvious neurological signs. She suggested we continue to get him back to a healthy/fit state and not test unless neurological signs change. That's our plan for now.

[piopico]

Yes, you really have to do the spinal fluid test to be positive, and that of course means time in the Hospital. After treating my boy in the late 90's, I was able to ride him on trails, but I quit after the ride where he lost impulsion going up a hill, backed, and fell.........rolled side over side down the hill. I was quick enough to push off UPHILL so didn't get hurt, but the poor boy stood up ,like 'what the hell happened?' He lasted a couple more years before his co-ordination was shot and we put him down- he was 23. I had him from a yearling. THat's my boy Piopico.

[gypsyrn]

I had our farrier our today for Keeva, he looked at this boy and said he thinks more is poor nutrition and out of shape and possibly arthritis in the hocks. We are placing him in a schooling program and have lots of ground work and watch his progress. He seems to improve after he warms up, but still worse on the left side with greater muscle atrophy. When we build up that side and his fitness overall, he expects the heel dragging will stop.

[cutiepiepmu]

Adding some comprehensive joint products(starting with IM adequan and then using a high quality oral supplement like Cosequin ASU), avoiding all alfalfa in the diet from hay as well as added into feed(can increase inflamation in the body), and making sure the rest of his nutrition is well balanced, not too high in calcium, and adding a lysine supplement may make a huge change if indeed it is NOT neurological. Keep in mind, there are other things can can cause nerological issues such as a small stroke, spinal injury, or a head injury.

Hope he is moving better soon!
Sara

[jessiegirl19811]

Adequan is the most amazing drug ever!! You can get a dose once a month for 50 bucks which is less than most supplements u add in feed, I love it!!

[gypsyrn]

He has quite a recipe right now for his supplement.Thanks so much for the Adequan suggestion, I will suggest it. We are keeping off of him and doing ground work to bring him back, just to be safe.