Oh, they're sending it off, this was just the vet's initial
opinion after extracting the fluid. I'm still not sure if I can trust the
test. Vets around here keep telling me that 80% of horses in Tx will test
positive, but won't have it.
I believe the spinal fluid has to be lab-tested
to see if the EPM is active; I don't think a visual evaluation will work.
I would first try a blood test to see if the
horse has even been exposed. The blood test can only rule EPM OUT - not tell
you if it is active. However, my horse tested negative for EPM so we did no
further testing for EPM.
Also, many people feel a spinal tap is no big
deal, but I do not. IMO, it is a highly invasive, expensive procedure with its
own risks. I have a quote from a well respected equine neurologist stating
that if clinical signs are present, a case can be made to treat the horse for
EPM without a 100% firm diagnosis that I can share with you if you are
interested.
