How is EPM diagnosed?
A diagnosis of EPM starts with a horse that is displaying clinical signs of neurological disease. The differential conditions listed above are ruled out based on the history of the horse, physical examination, serum biochemistry and serology. A complete neurological examination is conducted to confirm the presence of a neurological disorder. The neurological examination is based on a well-defined set of parameters, such as the checklist offered by the Modified Mayhew scale (10 KB). The details found during this neurological examination help the veterinarian more closely define the location of the lesion(s). The presence of antibodies against S. neurona in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) indicates exposure to the organism. EPM is strongly suspected in horses that present with clinical signs of neurological disease and a positive antibody response in the CSF. Given the limited diagnostic aids available to the veterinary practitioner, sometimes the animal’s response to treatment w
