My horse is being treated for EPM. When can I start riding him again?

Question

He is taking Marquis for a week now and he is clearly feeling better. Almost back to normal in appearance. Running, kicking and having a good ol time in the paddock. Should I wait until the 28 day treatment is finished no matter how well he is doing, or can I just use my judgment?

Answer 1

Wait! My mom's horse had EPM too. He is just now fully recovering! I would wait.

Answer 2

a lot of the medicines that are given to horses for epm are similar to medicines that humans receive for chemotherapy, epm medication should be continued for a long time as symptoms will disappear but reappear after treatment has been stopped for a while, depending on how much money you want to spend on epm medications there is a product that you can buy from australia called baycox, it is normally given to piglets but two bottles is a great remedy for epm in horses and the standardbred trainers are very fond of it

Answer 3

Wait the 28 days. Yes, he feels better but EPM is very serious and you don't want to stress his system

Answer 4

Let him recover fully before you do anything to stress him.  You can't see inside of his body to know where he is at in the healing process.  With a disease like EPM, getting him back to work is not going to benefit him like it does with other kinds of disorders.  He needs his full strength just to fight the disease.

Answer 5

I would definetly wait the 28 days.  Although he looks better, its only been a week.  EPM is serious and you wouldn't want anything else to happen to him.  Just wait the next few weeks out and then start him out on a light excersise (since he won't have been worked for about a month) maybe on the longe line and don't overwork him.  When you are sure he is better, then you may ride him.  Good luck!

Answer 6

hmm.. well I wouldn't rush anything, but I would wait a little bit until the treatment is almost over and then maybe lunge him for a bit. Then start riding him but don't over do it! Start out slow and make sure to pay attention to him and if you notice any sign of EPM again contact your vet.