Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Three cases of a presumptive atypical myopathy in New Zealand horses.
- Journal:
- New Zealand veterinary journal
- Year:
- 2013
- Authors:
- McKenzie, R K et al.
- Affiliation:
- a Matamata Veterinary Services
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Three young Thoroughbred fillies in New Zealand were brought to the vet during autumn because they were very tired, had stiff muscles, and one of them showed signs of colic (abdominal pain) and shock. During their exams, the vets found that all three had fast heart and breathing rates, along with muscle stiffness in their backs and rumps. Blood tests showed high levels of certain enzymes, indicating muscle damage. They were diagnosed with a condition called atypical myopathy, which is linked to pasture-related issues. Two of the fillies improved with treatment and survived, while one had to be euthanized due to a quick decline in health.
Abstract
CASE HISTORY: Three weanling Thoroughbred fillies were presented during autumn with depression, muscle rigidity and, in one case, colic symptoms and cardiovascular shock. CLINICAL FINDINGS: All fillies had abnormal physical examinations that included elevated heart rates and respiratory rates coupled with muscle rigidity through the back and rump. Biochemistry revealed markedly elevated creatinine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase which indicated a myopathy. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT: All three horses were diagnosed with presumptive equine atypical myopathy. The horses received supportive therapy as per the literature available at the time regarding this condition; two responded to supportive therapy and survived, and one was euthanased due to a rapid deterioration in clinical status. PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: Following post mortem of one case, histology of the trapezius muscle demonstrated an acute, severe myofibre degeneration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Atypical myopathy and a very similar disorder termed seasonal pasture myopathy in North America are potentially fatal, pasture-related syndromes that have been described in Europe and America but have not been previously described in New Zealand. This report describes three presumptive cases of this unique syndrome in New Zealand for the first time; it outlines the characteristics of the condition; and includes recently published information regarding diagnosis and treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23682600/