EPM test was negative!

[elizabeth_h]

I got the happy news today that Slim Jim's EPM test was negative! I decided to have the test done while he was at the horsepital because the vets were perplexed about his seizure that he had while coming out of the colic, and his odd front leg shaking that he has always had. He also has twitching of the eyelids in response to the menace test. We did not think it was likely to be EPM, but thought if we could rule that out it might be a good thing. So, he's just weird. I suppose if we really needed to find out the source of his issues we could do an MRI but that is a pretty drastic step and I don't think he needs that. He never had another seizure and the vets do not think he is dangerous at all. They felt the seizure may have been a response to the colic or to the variety of drugs he had during treatment that day.

Just FYI, he had the new EPM blood test done which tests antibody levels. If it is negative, the horse has no active infection and has not been exposed. If it is positive, the horse has for sure been exposed and MAY have an active infection - apparently the antibody level can give some indication about the activity level of the infection but at that point you have to do a spinal tap to be sure. It is $150 for this test, compared to something like $800 for the spinal tap.

[Goalie]

Thanks for letting us know Elizabeth.

[Amy]

Interesting, sounds like it's a new test! That's great, I was always under the impression that with the blood test 98% of them came back positive because almost all horses have been exposed at some point. I even had a vet recently tell me the spinal tap isn't 100%, that they can test false positive to that, too. Glad you were able to rule that out...but then again, Jim's always been one to go against the odds, huh?!

[luckyleoo6]

Thanks heavens ;D

EPM is scary, I put down my gelding a year ago on Thanksgiving because of it.

[welkin]

Excellent news! Give Jim a hug for me!