Your horse presents these symptoms. Wendy Vaala, D.V.M., of Mid-Atlantic Equine Clinic in Ringoes, N.J., suggests contacting your veterinarian promptly. A physical is important to rule out other diseases. Although there is no foolproof test, spinal tap and blood tests are recommended if EPM is suspected. Other neurological diseases are also possible.
Spinal tap involves inserting a needle and retrieving spinal fluid for laboratory analysis.
Sometimes a sedative is needed. The risks involved in performing the test are minimal, and it is an important ancillary diagnostic test. Dr. Vaala says that although there are many horses treated for EPM, not all have been diagnosed, and therefore, the results of treatment are varied. She notes there is a great deal of information available. Oral sulfa and pyrimethamine are easily accessible and often used in treatment.