But it’s not contagious horse to horse and in OPs situation, this trainer wants all owners to allow her to treat all of them with a pretty heavy duty drug requiring multiple doses over a period if time even with no symptoms or signs in any of them.
That’s nuts. Unless some believe there’s an off label calming effect…
I will say that we had one in the barn years ago, the blood test came back negative, but for some reason the lab listed treating the horse as a viable option. ???
Yeah, if they show neurological symptoms, it is common to treat for EPM and many have had success even though the exact reasons or effect of the drug on whatever was really wrong, EPM or something else, aren’t really clear. It seems to work.
But OP is talking about it as a preventative to keep them from developing symptoms, not treating neurological symptoms. Would think possum eradication and cleaning the pastures would be a better choice, certainly for clients whose horses are not displaying neuro symptoms?
I thought there was a newer drug out there for treating EPM anyway? Something that works quicker with lesser side effects?
Nope and nope and nope. And I’d be leary of what else the trainer does “just in case”, or for any other reason not backed by science.
Welcome to the new world, where every horse, dog, person, etc has lots of health issues and need to be treated, treated, treated.
No Thanks!
[QUOTE=findeight;9039142]
Power Pak won’t work on or reach protozoans, if it did we’d have licked the little bastards years ago.[/QUOTE]
obviously I know it doesn’t treat protozoa. But i recall always putting a new horse on a power pac to flush worms and boost immunity. No need to treat for protozoa unless you have tested positive. I’ve heard of Marquis having uncomfortable side effects while still doing its main job. I’ve also heard of vets using it off label to treat weak hind ends. I would never go there.
This is idiocy.Stand your ground and say no.
No. No way. I wouldn’t do that. And besides, Marquis is $$$$$.
For horses who have been confirmed cases of EPM in the past and treated, I know some vets who give some anti-protozoal medications at certain times like around vaccinations that can cause a flareup in EPM symptoms.
Please do not allow your trainer to bully you into this. As others have stated, all medications come with an inherent risk, this medication is not cheap and this short of use is what causes drug resistance. Tell your trainer that if she wants to pay for the vet visit and testing for EPM then you are all for treating if needed. Better yet, have your vet tell your trainer your horse is normal and doesn’t need treated. I would do that for a client of mine if they were in your position.
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