EPM - Steps To Diagnose?

[ringenbergel]

Goodmorning...I have a 26 year old American Saddlebred gelding that is showing signs of what I am thinking could be EPM. Toby has had severe allergies and heaves for years. He has been on MSM - Dexabiotic - Inhalers - etc...the whole gamit. He at one point about 4 years ago got really bad and they thought he might have EPM. It ended up be larthargy from the inhalers and an infection. He came out of it and seemed better. Now I am noticing him being very larhargic, very disconnected and lazy in his hind legs. He was five gaited, so I do blame some of it (looseness) to the stress of being gaited.) He moves slow even with his eating. His breathing hasn't been normal for most of the summer, however we have been able to keep him comfortable. Nothing really works anymore for the heaves, we just keep him the best we can with the different things we have been using. He doesn't appear to be in any pain. He goes out to pasture, gets up and down okay. Any suggestions??? I can use some "affordable" advice. Thanks...

[scorpio_asb]

You can do some relatively simple neuro tests at home before contacting the vet, but keep in mind just because they are positive to show neuro issues doesn't necessarily mean that it's EPM. One thing you can do is have someone hold your horse, and go behind him and pull his tail with some pressure first to the left and see if he keeps his balance. If his hind end gives or he has a hard time maintaining his posture in the hind end, it could indicate a neuorlogical issue. Repeat this to the right as well. Another quick and easy test is to take the front leg, one at a time and cross one over the other. If your horse can easily uncross his leg, then there is not a strong indication of neurological issues - again, repeat with both legs. Also try turning him on the lead in a very tight circle, if he has trouble keeping his balance or it seems his hind end is trailing or disconnected, you have yet another sign. I would try all three of these tests before really beginning to worry. And even then, it could mean nothing. But it would give you some information for your vet to go by and a place to start.

Good luck.

[ringenbergel]

Thank you...I will give it a try.