EMS testing WWYD?

[texas]

Test a) starve 12 hours take blood sample
Test b) starve 12 hours, give glucose, take blood sample 2 hours later

Pony had test a last year with a borderline result. Didn't follow up as was sound. Vet has now suggested repeating test a, followed by b if necessary.

However I have heard that test b is the most accurate, and I don't want to spend unnecessary money or subject pony to more blood tests than needed! I've called another vet who recommend test b.

Wwyd? Change vet do just b? Repeat a at this vets?

Egg fried rice and lemon chicken on offer if you're quick!

 

[cally6008]

Why wont your vet do test b first ?
Has he/she give you a reason ?

 

[texas]

Because things might have changed in the last year so best to start again with a, is my normal vets reasoning. Which I get, but if test b is actually better...?

 

[Maisy]

I would, and did, have the glucose test done....Surely you could ask your vet to go ahead and do b)??

 

[texas]

Is it bad that I think they just want my money? I'm too cynical for my own good lol.

If they think it's best to do a first they won't do b first :-(

Any reason you had the glucose instead of the other maisy?

 

[Maisy]

Any reason you had the glucose instead of the other maisy?

I have never heard of starving a pony and taking a blood sample without giving glucose as an effective way of testing for EMS tbh....my vet didn't even recommend it...I was slightly concerned about giving mine the glucose, as I have heard that there can be an increased risk of laminitis (esp in ponies with cushings, which mine has), but she hasn't ever had laminitis, so I thought it was worth it.

 

[Neburu]

My pony was tested this year with test A he came up borderline but Liphook said considering the symptoms he has, he does have it, it just hasn't showed up this time. They said not to bother testing again as he has got it and to test again would be a waste of money.

I couldn't do test B because my pony was so fat and he already was at the verge of getting lami we couldnt risk giving him glucose.


Where did the tests originally get sent to? I'd ask for a copy of the results from your current vet and contact the clinic that did the blood test and see what they say, before you spend more money!

Neburu

 

[Bryndu]

Hi,
Just had the EMS test.....
Starve 12 hours....take blood
Give glucose......1 hour later take blood
I hour later take blood
1 hour later take blood.....

Insulin levels off the scale confirmed EMS.....Beaufort labs.

Not being snotty....but not sure why your vet only did half of the test? Maybe it would not have been borderline?

Management changes and my boy is now 100%

Best wishes
Bryndu

 

[texas]

Me neither Bryndu! Blimey your poor pony! Mine has been on a managed diet for some years but that seems to be failing now so the next step is needed.

Good idea Neburu.

Looks like a change of vets may be beneficial then to get it done properly.

 

[Bryndu]

Me neither Bryndu! Blimey your poor pony! Mine has been on a managed diet for some years but that seems to be failing now so the next step is needed.

Good idea Neburu.

Looks like a change of vets may be beneficial then to get it done properly.

Thanks....luckily we have caught it early....so fingers crossed he can go on to lead a normal and happy life.
I can only add that getting your hay tested for sugar levels and soluble carbohydrates could help considerably..if you know how much you have you can work around it...(I used Dodson and Horrell they are great).....as sugar is such a bummer.....
I know this won't help.....but I have a fab vet....very knowledgable.
Wishing you all the very best with your horse.
Bryndu

 

[texas]

Thank you Bryndu. You too. And hold on tight to your vet!

 

[RobinHood]

Mine was tested a few weeks ago and sample sent to liphook.

Starve for 3hrs, then glucose feed, then blood test 2hrs 10 mins later.