Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Atypical myoglobinuria: an acute myopathy in grazing horses.
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1988
- Authors:
- Whitwell, K E et al.
- Affiliation:
- Pathology Unit
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In a field in Berkshire, England, four out of twelve grazing horses became very ill and died within 12 to 72 hours. Blood tests showed high levels of muscle enzymes, indicating muscle damage, and a post-mortem examination revealed widespread muscle degeneration in both their skeletal muscles and hearts. Urine tests showed the presence of myoglobin, a protein that can indicate muscle injury, and there were also kidney changes observed under a microscope. While the symptoms were similar to a known condition called equine exertional rhabdomyolysis, the situation did not match typical cases, and it resembled other unusual outbreaks of a condition called atypical myoglobinuria in grazing horses. The exact cause of this illness is still unknown, as various possible factors, including herbicide toxicity, were considered but not confirmed.
Abstract
Four out of 12 horses grazing a field in Berkshire, England, suffered a prostrating illness and died within 12 to 72 h. Serum biochemical abnormalities, including markedly elevated muscle enzymes, were demonstrated and at post mortem widespread myodegeneration was found in both skeletal muscle and myocardium. Urine analysis revealed myoglobinuria, and renal changes were seen histologically. Although similar pathologically, the clinical syndrome and circumstances of the outbreak were not typical of equine exertional rhabdomyolysis (EER). The outbreak bore a striking resemblance to other reported sporadic outbreaks of an atypical myoglobinuria occurring in grazing horses. A number of potential aetiological and contributory factors (including herbicide toxicity) were considered, but the aetiology remains unresolved.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3053157/