I have a pony that was just diagnosed with EPM via blood test. I initially had the vet out to examine the pony to figure out why she wouldn’t pick up left lead undersaddle or on the lunge line. Vet noticed pony would take occasional “funny” step when turned in a very tight circle or transitioning from walk to trot. Vet did do a series of blocks to rule out lower leg lameness, this only aggravated her symptoms. I’m debating on whether or not to invest in treatment as we were not planning on keeping pony in the long run. I’ve had a horse in the past who was diagnosed with EPM, treated with Marquis and ultimately euthanized a couple years later. His symptoms were more evident though. Has anyone had success with horses whose symptoms are more mild? Vet is recommending treating with Marquis.
I have personally known of two horses who were diagnosed early via blood test for EPM, treated and went on to live disease free. In both cases the owners were pushy about an odd, almost invisible bobble. I tip my hat to their keen eye and push to discover.
Ive got a horse buried here due to EPM. She was very involved when it was noticed and 4 months of treatment had no affect on her.
Treat early, less damage for the body to repair, get itself back to normal. We had a horse who was “off” a tiny bit. Just not his usual coordinated self, plus not happy to work with. Did the blood test to rule out EPM and other things. Vet is very experienced, could not see anything wrong in movement. Horse tested positive. Vet said try the Marquis for a week, see if he has any change. We did, his attitude was improved 90% in that week and we finished the month long treatment. Horse was off work, no stress during treatment. Vet said get on and use him, get his nerves and body working smoothly again. Horse came back 100%, lived for years after. Totally back to his pleasent self too. Much beloved horse, well worth treating.
Husband had only seen the sudden onset EPM previously, was afraid horse would suddenly lose all control and need to be put down anyway. So Doc said try the meds, if they were going to work a week would show improvement.
I had one who was finally diagnosed with EPM. His blood work was barely into the “suggested” range and his only neuro sign was tripping. I wasn’t going to treat, but I had sold him and he new owner did.
fhe marquis had a really profound affect on him - he dropped a ton of weight and looked like hell for a few months - but that was a year ago and he is now fine.
Last summer my 26-year-old mare suddenly developed a rather dramatic neuro symptom (walking with very wide stance behind). Blood titers for EPM were high so we treated with Oroquin, which is a shorter (10-day) course of treatment and less expensive than Marquis. It comes in tablets you can break up and put in feed. Serious neuro symptoms resolved, although she has still has mild symptoms off and on (leg is a little twitchy when handled). We retreated her with Oroquin this summer (based again on blood test results). So far so good. She’s retired so she only needs to be pasture sound.
My horse had a crooked tail and was stopping at jumps 2 1/2 years ago. His EPM SAG 1,5, and 6 were highly positive. A few days after we started Orogin (the cheap, 10day medicine)his tail was normal. We did also treat with levamisole and then Protazil because his titers were so high and not dropping. He has been fine. He even wants to jump now. Read the Pathogenes website and look at their videos if you want more EPM info.
Yes. Treat, and do it now. Horses with mild symptoms recover fast - sometimes in less than a week. It’s a pretty common problem at not something to ignore. Once it gets bad enough, you can repair the damage.
Thanks for the replies! Started treating today with Marquis and 10,000iu Vit E. Crossing my fingers this can be beat!
My mare had EPM when I bought her. It was usually okay but she’d sometimes stumble dramatically under tack. Treated with marquis and she had 10 years in the show ring with me, 6 of them jumping at the Grand Prix level.
Good luck and let us know how it goes!!
My mare was sound and didn’t have any neuro side effects but she was just a bit weak behind , tired very easily , and had difficulty with lead changes …she started swapping off her leads and would occasionally land split leaded after a jump …the chiropractor noticed that her lip dropped a bit more on one side than the other ( she explained that facial asymmetry is a subtl sign that is often not picked up on in the early stages)she suggested the epm blood test …we pulled blood and she had a high positive result …we did 2 months marquis and put her on Liquid Elevate Vitamin E (she had off during treatment)…her energy, stamina/hind end are much improved and she’s now easily and consistently getting nice clean lead changes !
