This is a good point. The most common test merely reflects whether or not a
horse has been exposed, not whether it is currently affected. (A study by a
Tufts researcher found that something like 90% of the horses on Nantucket
tested positive.)
>We have a TB, age 20+, at the barn with stringhalt (stifle problem). The
>vet has recommended the medial patellar procedure, but this involves
>taking the old boy to a clinic since this must be done under general
>anesthesia.
Tell the owner to check around. A lot of DVMs will do this surgery with
sedation and a local block. It's pretty straightforward stuff.
--CMNewell, DVM
"The expression in a horse's eye is like a blessing on a good man's house."
--Sayied iben-el Rabil, quoting the Prophet