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Testing

S neurona 1, 5, 6

These antibody tests are useful when  sarcocystosis or EPM is  suspected.  We use three separate ELISA tests to serotype the organism causing the infection. The most common pathogenic serotypes in horses are SAG 1. and SAG 5, both have been isolated from infected horse brain tissues. SAG 6 has not been isolated from a horse and is associated with inflammation. Antibodies can linger for 10 months, retest when appropriate with the history.  Testing CRP can help to monitor inflammation. 

Sarcocystis fayeri

This antitoxin test is useful when  equine muscular sarcocystosis, EMS, is suspected.  Diseased horses are unresponsive  to most treatment, can be weak, may have cranial nerve deficits, muscle atrophy is notable, dull demeanor, and are unthrifty.  Antibodies can be present for 10 months or  longer.  Additional CRP testing can be useful for a treatment response.

MP2/MPP

This antibody test is useful when  PNE is suspected.  A positive test indicates a demyelinating polyneuropathy. These horses are unresponsive  to most treatment, can be severely weak with a sidewinding gait, have cranial nerve deficits, muscle atrophy, behavior issues, and show chronic relapsing signs

CRP AND NfL

These tests are not antibody tests and will change quickly with the appropriate treatment.  The C-reactive protein value (normal 20  m/ml) is an indicator of inflammation due to infection.  The NfL test measures damaged nerves  (abnormal value  >1).

Testing identifies the cause of neuromuscular weakness. It is important to identify the disease process to find the right therapy! There are three diseases caused by Sarcocystis that look alike on clinical examination.  If the underlying cause of the disease isn't treated appropriately, the disease becomes chronic and progressive.

 

Our testing protocol allows the veterinarian to select one test or several, using one ml (cc) of sample, serum (or CSF)*. The tests are disease specific, combinations of tests are useful to select the proper treatment. Samples are held for 6 months, keeping your testing options open. Our trained staff is available to suggest the most appropriate test. Test results form the basis for the consultation; call us for a case discussion.

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   *Our data shows serum amyloid A is not a good indicator of early EPM

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