In a message dated 5/22/2006 10:40:57 AM Central Standard Time,
[email protected] writes:
May I ask you how much CS you used for the EPM? I have several horses on
CS now for EPM but am unsure as to the proper dosage. Also how long did it
take before you were confident the EPM was gone?
Omigosh Bob -- my heart goes out to you. Several horses? I can't imagine.
OK -- I used two cups, twice a day of initially purchased 20-ppm CS, then my
own home-made at probably 15 ppm. I have to tell you that after treating my
horse for three years, I am STILL not confident the EPM is gone. My horse
appears healthy and bright, but he does not move normally. Perhaps he has
*permanent* neuro damage. It took a very long time for my horse to be
diagnosed, so
his EPM was well established before I even started treatment. The fact that he
is even alive is testimony to the value of CS. We do believe that even
aggressive CS treatment does not wipe out the entire population of the protozoa
quickly. We believe that they hide as undeveloped cells much in the same way
that encysted strongyles do. And that they have a seasonal cycle. So many EPM
horses seem fine during the cold winter months, then relapse in the Spring and
Summer. We think that the reason that most EPM drugs do not seem to work is
that they simply aren't given long enough. And at those prices, who could
afford it? The greatest value of CS is that it can be made so cheaply that
anyone
can afford to treat their horse as long as it is necessary. And we think you
should think in terms of years, not months. We have an e-list for EPM horse
owners if you're interested. I could send you an invitation to join. There's
a lot of experienced people there. How long have you been treating, and how
are your horses doing? MA
