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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. Horses with PNE can be unresponsive to most treatments, they 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 may assist a veterinarian to identify some causes of neuromuscular weakness. It is important to identify a 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 may become 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 specific, combinations of tests are useful to the veterinarian for case analysis. Samples are held for 6 months, keeping your testing options open. Our trained staff is available to suggest the most appropriate test to rule in or rule out some diseases. Test results form the basis for consultation and are not diagnostic tests. Test results form the basis of drug development and licensing and may help a veterinarian select an ongoing clinical study.
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