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. SAG 1 and SAG 5, both have been isolated from infected horse brain tissues. SAG 6 has not been isolated from a horse and it is associated with inflammation. Antibodies can linger for 10 months, retest when appropriate with the history.

Sarcocystis fayeri

This antitoxin test is useful when equine muscular sarcocystosis, EMS, is suspected as a cause of clinical signs. Diseased horses are unresponsive to most treatment. Horses can be weak, may have cranial nerve deficits, muscle atrophy is often notable, they have a dull demeanor, and are unthrifty. Antibodies can be present for 5 months or longer.

MP2/MPP

This antibody test is useful when inflammation due to infection is suspected. Chronic inflammation causes polyneuritis. A positive MP2/MPP test indicates a demyelinating polyneuropathy. Horses with PNE can be unresponsive to most treatments, they can be severely weak with a sidewinding gait, they can have cranial nerve deficits, muscle atrophy, behavior issues, and show chronic relapsing or progressive signs.

CRP AND NfL

These tests are NOT antibody tests so they 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 axon damage from affected nerves (abnormal value >1).

Submission Form

Polyneuritis Exam Form

Test interpretation

Lyme Screen

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Testing options

Testing assists 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. Send us one ml (cc) of sample, serum, plasma 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. Testing data we collect forms the basis of drug development and licensing. Test results may help a veterinarian select a horse that can enroll in our clinical studies.

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