Dr. Sarah Colmer of New Bolton Center says the outlook for a horse with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) depends largely on how severely it’s affected. Mild cases—such as horses showing subtle incoordination—often recover well. But horses with severe signs, like difficulty standing or swallowing, face a much tougher road. Because the disease and the body’s own inflammatory response both contribute to nerve damage, predicting recovery can be challenging. In general: the milder the signs,

“How do I know for sure my horse really has EPM?” It’s the number one question Dr. Steve Reed from @roodandriddle hears about equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. Because so many horses carry antibodies, a blood test alone can’t confirm disease. True diagnosis depends on seeing the big three signs—ataxia, asymmetry, and atrophy—and comparing antibody levels in blood and spinal fluid. That’s why a spinal tap remains the gold standard for accuracy. #EPM #EPMhorse #EPMtreatment #horsehealth | TheHor