EPSM

[fizz-tally]

looking for info on how to manage/feed a horse with EPSM so i can pass it on to someone

 

[Morrigan_Lady]

Sorry if this a daft question, but whats ESPM??

 

[Moggy]

Have a look at www.ruralheritage.com

 

[bandit]

ask a vet to be safe, but generally (if properly diagnosed), a high oil and low sugar diet, such as

HI FI or Alpha A (lite versions)
low cereal feeds - such as Pasture nuts / Baileys Economy Cubes
Speedi Beat if needed
lots of oil - up to a pint of soya oil (depending on horse work / weight)
Selenium and Vit E supplement
Electrolytes or Salt

Stay away from Oats and course mixes.

good luck.
Bx

 

[siennamiller]

Spillers happy hoof is also a very good chaff, I use this with saracen releve

 

[Sehne]

Yup agree with Bandit about vet. If the vet has diagnosed EPSM (via muscle biopsy) they should be able to recommend a diet (high fibre, high oil) and also test to see if they have a need to supplement with extra vits/mins rather than adding extra 'just in case'.
Sx

 

[siennamiller]

The thing about the vet doing a biopsy is that they can be quite inaccurate apparently. My vet said it wasn't really worth the expense. She advised to try the diet as it does no harm, and see if he improves which he is.
I thnink the diet is better for them anyway as it is more natural. My horse looks fantastic.

 

[UKa]

Hi, in addition to feed, you need to usually make sure that horse gets regular exercise and turnout and that you warm them up and cool down very slowly and never to do strenuous work after time off; mine is prone to getting azoturia which may be EPSM related and I also avoid her getting a chill in any way and use an exercise sheet during the winter and she must be totally cooled down before I turn her out after riding;

 

[Sehne]

Hi
I don't think there is any harm in trying to alter the diet at all, in fact I strongly believe in the high fibre diets. A biopsy will show whether the horse is suffering from EPSM or not. Personally, if my horse was affected somehow I would try this way forwards. True, if it is low grade there is a chance that the affected fibres can be missed via biopsy, but believe me if a horse is suffering from EPSM it is normally very easy to tell. I test for EPSM nearly every day at work. It's a really interesting area!
Sx

 

[Plowris]

Hi

My horse has suspected EPSM/PSSM and I have completely changed her diet, she now moves so much better, her attitude has changed, she has more staminia and looks great. I had the back woman out yesterday who said she is alot better aswell. She hasnt had a siezure in three months and the blacksmith said she was fine shoeing, no problems with her holding up her hind legs.

I had the vet out three times and all tests came back fine, it was only after going on the internet (and the symptons are so near EPSM) I decided it would do no harm in changing her diet.

She is on happy hoof, unmolassed sugar beet, supplements and oil.

I am going to be very careful about her summer grazing too.