Purchasing a horse that had EPM

[Valaugh]

So I recently tried a horse and I LOVED her. Everything about her is great and we really clicked under saddle.

I was told that she had a PPE done prior and failed the tail test (barely). She had no lameness symptoms or noticeable neurological symptoms. She just had some mild flank weakness. But she was out of work so it was unknown that it was from that. Would have never known had they not done the test. They did blood work. Came back at 1:2000
She was then treated with one treatment. Responded VERY well. Did another just to prolong treatment and see if they could even get better results.

She’s now jumping courses just fine. A little weak in the back end still for flying changes. But was told it may take some time to build back up. She is taking Vitamin E. Passed her second tail test.

would you buy a horse with that level from blood work (1:2000) and expect her to be fine? I’m torn because I worry about a potential relapse, but I hate to miss out on a horse I really liked and her never have any problems. I’ve heard success stories and horror stories.

[joiedevie99]

It’s a tough one. It’s so much more common than people think in some areas, so I’d bet there are a whole lot of horses out there who have either never been treated, or were treated successfully and it isn’t disclosed later. I’m treating one of mine right now. Last year we treated three in the barn. Five years ago, we had 7 horses test positive during the winter season in FL.

[Valaugh]

Have you had good success with it so far though? Like I said- this mare is jumping around so cute right now and it’s been months! And she was never really bad and out of work. But I’m totally new to EPM.

[joiedevie99]

@Valaugh

Have you had good success with it so far though?

Yes. One horse in the FL group had a bad initial case, failed lots of neuro tests. He never fully recovered. The rest were all good as new within a week or two of starting Marquis (or never exhibited symptoms, so we never knew anything was wrong to start with). We test routinely (along with Lyme), so sometimes we catch a positive but as of yet asymptomatic case.

The ones that had “symptoms” were all mild - lack of coordination in the changes, increased spooking, more tripping than normal the week before the farrier is due, etc.

All except the one bad horse stayed in full work throughout treatment. Relapse is absolutely possible, but not something we’ve encountered with these early stage cases.

[Lusoluv]

Unfortunately this is one of those “what if” questions that is wholly on you and your risk level. I’ve had folks ask would you buy :

• A cribber
• A horse w/kissing spine
• Had cellulitis
• Had an old or new bow
• Had colicked
• Has osselets
• Has shivers
• Has melanomas

The list is endless and you’ll get anecdotes from both sides of the argument - buyer that took the chance and had no issue or mild interventions late in life those who had life or career-ending injuries or outcomes connected to the problem associated with the horse. It’s a crapshoot. If you can afford (emotionally and economically) to deal with a bad outcome, go for it. The horse may be the love of your life and be relatively healthy - or not. There is no crystal ball and again, you’ll find stories to support either decision. Best of luck in your decision.

[stargzng386]

I’m in an area with a lot of EPM and my vet doesn’t consider 1:2 as a true positive. If the horse has symptoms they get treated if no symptoms no treatment. Mine was struggling with his hind end a little and we tested for EPM and Lyme he was 1:2 but no neurological signs. I did treat to be safe but it didn’t make a difference for him. I would feel comfortable buying a horse with this test result who was treated and shows zero neuro symptoms after treatment but it’s a personal decision

[Libby2563]

How long ago did she test positive and get treated? I’d be more likely to take the risk if it were a year ago vs. a couple months. FWIW I’ve had two who were symptomatic (one pretty badly) and after treatment stayed healthy for years. One was treated when he was 6 and went on to be my Grand Prix dressage horse. He’s 25 now and never had a relapse.

[Amy3996]

Hard pass for me. EPM impacts every horse differently but the cases I’ve seen have overwhelmingly been career ending or required euthanasia, even with aggressive treatment.

A dear friend of mine bought a sweet 6yo Appendix despite a ton of red flags on PPE, including obvious neuro symptoms. Test for EPM came back raging positive. First round of treatment was successful - titer actually went to zero. Less than 12 months later, he relapsed and displayed more severe symptoms. Two rounds of Marquis in a year, ongoing neurologic deficits and need for rehab. His owner is a trooper and won’t give up on him.

Obviously neuro issues can strike any horse at any time, but I wouldn’t take the risk on a horse with known neuro history. Just not worth it IMO.

[KJP]

I’m in the same situation, I’m looking at a horse that’s been diagnosed twice, once in 2019 and again in 2021, he’s an amazing horse but something doesn’t feel quite right on the right rein, the lady is asking $60k for him and I’m nervous to make a decision, is it with the risk?

[candyappy]

@KJP

I’m in the same situation, I’m looking at a horse that’s been diagnosed twice, once in 2019 and again in 2021, he’s an amazing horse but something doesn’t feel quite right on the right rein, the lady is asking $60k for him and I’m nervous to make a decision, is it with the risk?

No. Not at that price point.

[Jealoushe]

omg NO.

What’s the price tag (range) and other variables on this horse OP?

[KJP]

She wants $60k for him and she won’t budge

[fourfillies]

Pass. Once I’d consider but not a relapsed performance horse. And, think he would be very difficult to insure.

[Paint_Party]

@KJP

diagnosed twice, once in 2019 and again in 2021… something doesn’t feel quite right on the right rein…

Okay, Read what you wrote.

1. Twice diagnosed with EPM
2. Most recent case was last year
3. You admit that you can feel something Not Quite Right in one direction

You already know the $60k answer:

[Bogie]

I would be very reluctant to buy a horse that tested positive for EPM, especially twice. I tried a horse that had been treated for EPM and was supposed to be fine. While trotting around the ring (perfect footing), he dropped like a stone and kicked me getting up. Sample size of one, so take that with a grain of salt, but not worth it for me.

I will add that this was some time ago and vets have gotten better at recognizing EPM and treating it earlier. I know people who have treated their EPM positive horses and then gone on to compete them.

[Bbs20]

As a owner of a horse with EPM I would also pass. My gelding made a huge recovery and came back better than ever. He has also relapsed. We competed afterwards and, are planning on making a switch from dressage to Hunter/Jumper land to make Mr.Jumper bred happy. We are now two years relapse free but, I’m convinced if one element of his care changed, it would put him over the edge.

The neuro issues are just the tip of the iceberg. EPM is a wicked disease with many strange side effects. It’s also very expensive to treat/manage these side effects. When I was still boarding supplements/medicine were more than board, to give you reference. I would take another one (key word take not buy) if the owner just wanted an experienced home. Personally, I could never sell my horse with a clean conscience, even 100% sound now, they can relapse overnight.

[fourfillies]

This is my experience as well. My guy both became symptomatic with his first case and relapsed literally overnight.

[eightpondfarm]

My horse was symptomatic last Spring. One round of Marquis and she was normal. Actually, she became steady and her normal active athletic self about a week after that one horrid morning i saw her stumbling around the paddock. I have a bit of Marquis left in the last tube (dosage based on weight and she’s only 980 pounds) that i’m hanging onto for the relapse i expect/fear will happen one day. We live in possum land… So far, she’s the first, but i’m guessing will not be the last.

I’d never sell her, not for the EPM reason, but because i keep all my animals for life.

[VA_Hoo]

I’m wondering if we looked at the same horse from the same owner - based on the date you posted this and the price and the overall circumstances…. Longshot but who knows?

[Spud_amp_Saf]

Having dealt with one with EPM, I would never knowingly buy another with that issue. It is heartbreaking to see the decline.