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  Discussion on Questions about Navigator Study
Author Message
Member:
Tmo0hul

Posted on Friday, Jan 16, 2004 - 11:26 am:

Dr. O - I was hoping you could shed some additional light on the results of the Navigator study that you list in your EPM article. Specifically, what were the initial neurologic scale values for the horses. ie - of the 120 that improved one grade, how many were graded a 1,2,3, etc. initally? I see that one is listed as improving 4 grades, thus either starting as a 4 or 5. Basically, I'm looking to see what the inital study group consisted of.

We have one gelding that we are treating every 3 months with Marquis. He is a racehorse, so is in constant stress. The treatment lasts about 8 weeks before symptoms return. On the scale I'd say he varies between a 2 at his worst, to almost normal after the 28 day Marquis treatment. We are seriously looking at Navigator to fix him for good.

On a different note, what is your experience with rehabing seriously compromised EPM horses? I had an OTTB arrive 2 days ago for re-training. I'd say he's a 3.5++ on the neurological scale. He is unable to turn a corner without stumbling badly or crashing into a wall. I'm almost positive it's EPM - left side coordination is almost gone. He'll fall on you if you pick up a hind leg. Unable to resist pulling tail to one side, cannot walk straight on his own, etc. Honestly, I can't believe that no one noticed that he was in trouble where he was in KY. Makes me sick. I have been told that if I send him back to KY the owners will take him to the slaughter pens at the auction. This horse is 9 years old and made over $250k in 13 wins at the track. He doesn't have a pimple on him from racing injuries and is an imposing 16.2 gorgeous animal. My guess is that he started running poorly and was retired without the trainer ever really knowing what was wrong with him. He deserves a better ending to his life. However, if he has no chance of recovery, the best thing for him may be euthanization. If he has a chance with this new drug I may try and find a benevolant soul willing to help with the costs for the drug, or contact Re-Run or one of the other OTTB retirement foundations for assistance.

As always, thanks for your advice!
Member:
Mwebster

Posted on Saturday, Jan 17, 2004 - 11:14 am:

Christy, that 2nd horse sounds like my gelding. Have you run any tests on him?
Member:
Tmo0hul

Posted on Saturday, Jan 17, 2004 - 11:49 am:

Melissa - no, he just came in on Thursday in trade for a registered mare who was totally sound. The gal wanted a mare for breeding and I needed a big gelding for a client. I don't plan on having my vet out. He'll have to go back to KY where the owners can deal with him. At this point he can barely walk on his own without falling down if he turns around. I've never seen a horse in such an advanced stage of EPM that was left untreated, and this horse was sent to me as a SOUND jumping prospect......
Member:
Mwebster

Posted on Saturday, Jan 17, 2004 - 1:55 pm:

Maybe it's trauma, i.e. orthopedic, particularly if it's sudden onset and he's young and otherwise healthy. A fractured pelvis, for example, could cause these symptoms. As I'm learning, it can be very difficult to distinguish between musculosketal and neurologic (primary cause) disease, even for the pros.

Incredible they'd ship him to you in such poor condition.


Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Jan 17, 2004 - 4:20 pm:

The veterinarian I spoke with did not know the exact numbers only that they were mainly 2's and 3's. The EPM cases I see are fairly acute so do not have muscle deterioration. If they return 100% we treat them like they have just lost that much exercise time: rehab is short. If any incoordination continues, we do not put them back in work.
DrO
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