Advanced starvation vs. EPM or Wobbler

[btcountess]

Hi, I have a yearling that we "rescued" from the farm where she was being boarded. She was rushed to New Bolton with what was first called an acute neck injury - she was a mess - lots of gashes, very thin, teribly scared and ataxic. TB ruled out rabies, West Nile and Herpes. That left EPM and WS. She is just finishing her Marquis and she tested positive for EPM. NB still thinks she's a wobbler but after the week there she is now at a rehab farm across the street and has progressed quite well. She has not fallen once while there even when she was scared and reared up. A good friend came up with the idea that she may have been in advanced stages of starvation. Does anyone have experience with this, especially the rescue people?

We don't know what horrid things happened to her but she just doesn't appear to fit the WS profile now. Prayers have helped I'm sure!

[madelyn]

Starvation, along with a heavy parasite load, can cause ataxia.

[WarHorse]

I'm with Madelyn, give her some time off to fill out and regain her natural state. If she's still off, then go with the tests.

Good luck,
WH

[marg]

We had a mare that had EPM and she dropped weight almost over night.It was very scary.We treated her and she recovered nicely but it took a while ------never had any experience with starvation----Thank Goodness.Marg

[btcountess]

I really appreciate any info - We gave her the Marquise so now we'll just let her be a horse and see how she grows over the winter. The one thing I hold onto is the fact that she hasn't fallen even once since she came to the rehab farm. Thanks again for your concern - please keep praying for my little Pattie (Patton's Black Tie)

[emmad]

What is EPM?

We have a yearling colt that we are thinking could be a wobbler. Was running with another colt and all good until my partner went to feed 6.30am on tuesday morning.
The colt took a couple of steps toward him then fell over. Vet was called and gave him a vitamin B1 inject and antiinflam. Partner went to the track and when he came back the colt and fallen through a hedge (god knows how) and was in a drainage ditch.
Is now in a box and looks awful. Legs have swollen from various knocks and has skin off all over the show from getting down and up.
Currently standing more than down so on the improve. Is eating cut grass and starting to show an interest in hard feed again.
Would be interested in opinions as vets currently treating him are not really sure what the problem is.

Thanks
Emma

[madelyn]

Equine Protozoal Myelitis, I believe. It is a protoza parasite that invades the spine/central nervous system, I think, and causes ataxia. In acute states, the corresponding inflammation might cause the reaction you described. There is a new blood test available (originally the only way to get a firm diagnosis for EPM was a spinal tap).

http://www.horses-and-horse-information ... 6epm.shtml
I found this piece about EPM.

[btcountess]

I can tell you from experience with this and all the bills - don't bother with the old test. Make them do the new test right away, it has to be sent to UC Davis and that is your base line. Then in three weeks you c an get another and tell if the titers are there. Nothing keeps you from starting your horse on the Marquise - that will give a head start if it's EPM. You can always discontinue it - I'm sure your vet has checked the other causes of ataxia - West Nile, Herpes, Rabies, then EPM and Wobbler Syndrom. Good Luck

[madelyn]

Hmm. Well the only thing is, I believe Emmad is in New Zealand and EPM has only been found in the northern hemisphere.

[marg]

RE EPM--We treated our mare before we got the tests back.Our vet said that time was important and if she had EPM we could not wait.He was between EPM and West NILE.She was 12 .She could hardly stand ---dragged her feet when she walked---lost a lot of weight and was dehydrated.He said that if we waited it could be too late.There are 2 treatments for EPM-----one much cheaper than the other.We chose the cheaper as we were not sure what she had.She did have EPM.I can not remember what drug we used as it was 3 years ago.Possums have the parasite in their stool------my vet also suspects raccoons.We still have the mare.Hope this helps a little.Good lucl with your baby!Marg.

[madelyn]

I used Re-Balance for my mare that had EPM. She wasn't Really Bad, just couldn't really lift her hind feet. She would break them over and drag on the ground when she walked. Re-Balance was around $80 for a 28-day supply (bottle), and my mare was done after 1-1/2 bottles. She is now FULLY recovered, in good flesh, and expecting a foal next year.

[emmad]

As far as I'm aware we don't have EPM (now I know what it is lol) or West Nile here.

The colt looked a bit better yesterday so will see. I'll let you know how he goes. Was a lot brighter and more interested in what was going on and eating better. Also moving a bit better.

[Arctic Cielo]

wow...a world without EPM or west nile?
I had a mare that had EPM, was treated successfully but afterwards very hard to keep weight on.

[MareMc56]

As far as EPM is concerned we just went through 3 months of treatment...went through our barn..all tested positive but only some had symptoms but not all at the same time...only treated the ones with symptoms...significant weight loss..very unsteady on their feet and wobbly...drank tons of water and ate tons but couldn't keep any weight on them.. and flipping their palate..each horse had different symptoms but weight loss the most common...it was rough...put them on Marquix...two rounds of it and extra vitamin E..it's expensive but it did the job...sent the worst case to the farm for a layup till the spring but he looks like a million bucks now...as for the others just light works till they were done their treatment...they have since recovered thank God.

[btcountess]

Wow, that's great. My girl is doing well now - another member suggested a product called Opti-Zym and I think it helped with her weight gain. It's all natural.