dianeguinn - 2016-01-31 10:23 AM

I'm not a vet, but have dealt with this quite a bit in my own horses and my friends. I truly believe that soon EPM is going to be like worms. We're going to have to treat them periodically or they're going to show symptoms, especially if they're stressed (in training, hauling, competing, etc.). I truly believe that DDT killed that protozoa and when we outlawed it, it's boomed and we're now seeing its effects everywhere. Plus, the death of the fur trade, thanks to PETA, has also made the possum population explode, which also doesn't bode well for our horses. I also personally believe that all horses of grazing age have probably been exposed to the protozoa and if they're stressed, they're going to show symptoms. I treat every new horse I get in just for good measure because I know they've been stressed from hauling and change of environment. To me, it's just like worming a new one to make sure they're cleaned out of everything. Looking at your videos, he's got it pretty bad...a normal horse will not stand with its feet crossed, in fact, mine won't even let you cross them. They'll immediately put it back where it goes. EPM is progressive and the damage will continue until its treated. I've used every treatment out there, and so far, the pills from Dr. Ellison seem to work the best and the quickest. I wouldn't mess with compounded medicines....you never truly know if they're the correct dosages, etc. Dr. Ellison is working on a preventative, and I truly hope she gets it approved and it works. I think about 80% of training and soundness problems are actually EPM and if we could get rid of it, we could go back to the sound horses we had 20 years ago. JMO As for your horse getting worse, they sometimes will due to die off of the protozoa, just like a heavily infested wormy horse will get sick when it's first wormed, but he should show improvement quickly after. Avoid injections, as they will make EPM worse...good luck and feel free to pm me if you have questions. Here is a good video for tests you can perform yourself to see if they possibly have symptoms: http://thehorseaholic.com/detecting-neurological-problems-with-your...


I agree completely with Diane. We are in SW Missouri and have treated 2 mares in a year and 1/2 with Pathogenes Origin. It has to be something like she suggested. It is everywhere and in the ground. It is so prevalent anymore. There are so many horses getting it you have to be very aware of your horse and even then by the time they are showing symptoms it can cause irreversible damage. We were lucky with our mares in that they have recovered and show no ill effects. I had a local vet try to talk me out of using Pathogenes. I got another vet to help me and was so thankful to him being open minded. My mare showed improvement in 3 days on Origin. I also treated her with their follow up of Levamisole. I also have friends that have used Pathogenes with great success.

Edited by RunNbarrels 2016-02-02 11:47 AM

just4fun - 2016-02-03 11:19 AM

Just home from the vet. She is sending off blood for EPM testing and we should have results the beginning of next week. If it doesn't indicate EPM, she wants me to take him to MU for a bone scan. She literally laughed at his awkward movement/gait. He did not respond to a flexion test though. And, she really didn't see obvious neuro signs. So, no answers yet.
I think he is feeling better! The wind may be a factor, but he had his head up and looked bright and alert!
As far as Ratniss, she had surgery a month ago and has had issues with recurrent abscesses. She has until tomorrow to get better or she has to have another surgery, which she is too thin and fragile to handle, so we are hoping for a big change today... In case anyone really wanted to know about the pet rat.   

Chandler's Mom - 2016-02-03 10:49 PM Go back and look, I seriously asked about Ratniss on my last post! I really hope she's better and doesn't have to have another surgery since she's fragile right now. And let us know what you find out about Geronimo. More prayers for both your furry kids

just4fun - 2016-02-08 8:18 PM Well, test results showed no titer for S. neurona or N. hughesi.

We're back to square one.

And, we lost our little rat.

 

jake16 - 2016-02-08 8:21 PM Omgosh.I was just thinking about the rat!!!!.well hmmm. What do you think your next step will be?

Bibliafarm - 2016-02-08 8:33 PM  Im the odd ball out I never thought EPM.. and think to many horses are treated for it when in fact they dont have it.. there is so many other reasons for things that happen.. a off gait could  be anything with no nuero issues..

it could be his gait.. but did vet check stifles?

Bibliafarm - 2016-02-08 8:33 PM  Im the odd ball out I never thought EPM.. and think to many horses are treated for it when in fact they dont have it.. there is so many other reasons for things that happen.. a off gait could  be anything with no nuero issues..



it could be his gait.. but did vet check stifles?

just4fun - 2016-03-03 2:29 PM

Thanks for the inquiry! Nothing exciting... we finished the EPM meds for the month and now I'm just waiting to take him in for a lameness exam. The cost of MU was prohibitive, so we will have to switch vets. Yuck.
One more basketball tournament, then a couple of weeks before baseball... so I'll get him squeezed in soon! He's pretty content eating and being lazy for now :)
I will update when I know more. Thanks again for asking!