Alright, so let me tell you about this whole thing with checking the blood of horses for EPM. It’s been quite a journey, and I’ve learned a ton along the way. Let me walk you through what I did and what I found out.
Getting Started
First off, I noticed one of my horses, let’s call him Champ, was acting a bit off. He wasn’t his usual self, a bit clumsy, and seemed weak. Now, I’ve been around horses for a while, and this just didn’t sit right with me. So, I thought, better safe than sorry, and decided to check for EPM, since I’d heard a bit about it.
Calling the Vet
First thing I did was ring up my vet. She’s a real pro, been in the business for years. I explained Champ’s symptoms, and she agreed that checking for EPM was a good idea. She came over the next day, took one look at Champ, and nodded. We needed to do a blood test.
The Blood Draw
Now, getting blood from a horse isn’t like getting blood from a person. These guys are big and strong. But my vet, she’s got a way with animals. She calmed Champ down, found a good vein, and got the blood sample without any fuss. I held Champ’s lead, talking to him softly, keeping him steady. It was all pretty smooth, honestly.
Waiting for Results
After the blood draw, we had to send the sample to a lab. The waiting game is always the hardest part. I kept busy with the other horses, but my mind was always on Champ. I was checking my phone every few minutes, hoping for an update. It took a few days, but it felt like weeks.
Getting the News
Finally, the vet called. The results were in. She explained that Champ tested positive for EPM antibodies. It means he’s been exposed to the parasite that causes EPM. Now, this didn’t necessarily mean he had the active disease, but it was a strong indicator. We needed to do more tests to be sure, specifically a spinal tap, but just knowing about the antibodies was a big step.
Next Steps
With this information, my vet and I talked about the next steps. She laid out the options, explained what each one involved, and answered all my questions. It was a relief to have a plan, even though we weren’t out of the woods yet.
Reflecting
This whole experience has been eye-opening. It’s made me more aware of the signs of EPM and the importance of regular vet checks. I used to think I knew my horses inside and out, but this showed me there’s always more to learn. I’m just glad I trusted my gut and got Champ checked out when I did. Now we can start treatment and hopefully get him back to his old self.
It’s a tough situation, but we’re dealing with it. Champ’s a fighter, and I’m not giving up on him. We’ll get through this together. I’ll keep y’all updated on how things go. This whole bloodwork thing for EPM, it’s a process, but it’s worth it for our four-legged friends.