Naming Our New Horse and His Diagnosis

Back in late June we adopted a free horse and I made a video introducing him. He came to me from who I now know is a horribly dishonest individual - so his origins are unknown despite the information I gave in the video. All I do know is he came to me emaciated and incontinent, which is a very uncommon issue in horses.

We decided to call him Cigar, Hunter picked it out and I often like using names he picks.

Shortly after his arrival I had the vet out to give him an overall exam and to get him into the system so I could call if any issues come up with re feeding him, but to also to get his incontinence issue evaluated. We did several exams and determined there is no physical reason he should be incontinent. My vet luckily had met two other incontinent horses before (like I said, very rare issue) and they each had different causes; one had EPM and one had Cushings. EPM seemed most likely since he showed zero other symptoms of Cushings. We sent the test off and he came back positive.

I don't want to bore you with the details of EPM so you can read more about it here

The TLDR of what is EPM is that it's a neurological condition caused by an infestation of protozoa in the brain and spine. It is spread by opossums and there is little that can be done to prevent exposure. Though, a horse is significantly less likely to develop the condition with proper care. That being said, it can still happen to any horse that lives where opossums are.

What EPM is doing to Cigar is basically damaging the nerves that allow him to control his urethra and to drop his penis to urinate. After knowing his diagnosis and doing my own research I did notice he dragged his back feet a bit and he ran into me when leading him. These were subtle but obvious signs of his neurological issues.

Fortunately, there is a treatment. An expensive treatment. He would need to take it anywhere from 30-90 days, 90 days typically being the best indicator of how much if at all a horse will improve. While I haven't had Cigar long, I decided to give him a chance and agreed to order the medication. Treatment of EPM is typically only 70% success rate that ANY improvement is made, and only 20% of that 70% make a significant or full recovery. While these are good numbers, Cigar's age and current condition are against him. As well as how it has manifested. Incontinence in a horse is very bad as it drips on his sheath and legs causing urine scalding. Even with daily washing and ointment as a protective barrier, it is very difficult to manage or prevent.

He has been on his medication 19 days, alongside vitamin E and other supplements to boost his immune system and give him the best shot to respond well to the medication. He has been showing improvement mostly in his mobility. He moves more confidently, doesn't drag his back feet, and doesn't run into me anymore. Unfortunately, his incontinence has shown almost no improvement. There was a tiny glimmer it had reduced yesterday, but I try not to put too much stock into it until I see multiple days of significant changes.

I'm trying to give him his best shot at recovery, but with his age and the complications of his symptoms I don't know what his future holds for now. I have a care plan and a plan for if treatment fails, but only time will tell.

For now I'm trying to stay positive, do what I can, and accept what I can't do. And mostly try not to become bitter about the hard choices ahead of me that other more cowardly people couldn't make. Never trust horse people, folks.