Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2012 | Page 100

EQUESTRIAN equine veterinary diary Kate Manners BVM&S MRCVS of Liphook Equine, IOW Equine atypical myopathy Equine atypical myopathy is a seasonal disorder whose incidence has continued to grow in the last couple of years. It is a devastating disease with a high mortality rate and it often occurs in large outbreaks. This autumn a very high number of cases of atypical myopathy have been seen in Southern England and Northern Europe. In the latest outbreak over 97 cases had been reported by the beginning of December. The highest numbers were seen in the United Kingdom where 30 cases were reported. Elsewhere there have been 13 cases in Belgium, 27 cases in France, 14 cases in Germany, 7 cases in Switzerland and 2 cases in Austria plus a further 3 cases in the USA and 1 in Canada. The disorder is characterised by complete degeneration of muscle fibres. This often leads to sudden death due to complete collapse of the cardio-vascular system. The cause is unknown and there are no effective preventative treatments so horses can only be supported by treating the symptoms. out on grazing. In the UK it is most common in the autumn after sudden adverse weather conditions such as spells of heavy rain or frost. Young horses (under three years old) appear to be predisposed as are those that are underweight or in poor condition, although this is a trend rather than a rule. What to watch out for What causes atypical myopathy? The cause is still unidentified. The latest investigations suggest a toxin producing bacterium called Clostridium sordelli may be implicated. Analysis of muscle tissue from horses that have died has shown the presence of this toxin but no one has yet identified with certainty a cause-effect relationship between the presence of the toxin and the onset of disease. Certain environmental conditions appear to be essential for the development of disease. It is seasonal and tends to only occur in spring and autumn in horses turned Horses with atypical myopathy present suffering with severe generalised weakness and they are often found in lateral recumbency. Those that are still able to walk are very stiff particularly in the hindquarters. Other symptoms include • Dark coloured urine • Difficulty or inability to get to feet and remain standing • Depression • Colic +/- difficulty passing urine • Muscle tremours, twitching and weakness • Profuse sweating • Low temperature, less than 36°c (normal 37-38°c) often due to recumbency and inability to move. However, higher than normal temperatures are also seen. Liphook Equine Dodnor Farm, Newport PO30 5TE TEL: [phone] (or 01428 727727 out of hours) EMAIL: [email protected] www.TheLEH.co.uk 100 www.visitislandlife.com