‘Perfect Storm’ Increases Risk Of Atypical Myopathy
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) have warned of a heightened risk of atypical myopathy in grazing horses.
BEVA issued the warning, describing the hot summer, creating potential hay shortages, and the forecast of early transatlantic storms, have created the ‘perfect storm’ for the disease.
Atypical myopathy is a muscle disease caused by the toxin, hypoglyxin A. The toxin was not identified as the root cause of the disease until 2013, despite the disease being reported in horse’s since the 1960’s.
In the UK, the most common source of hypoglyxin A is Sycamore tree seeds. The helicopter shape seeds have been reported to travel up to 4km, with the high winds increasing there fall rate and chance of ingestion dramatically.
Although horse’s do not choose to eat sycamore seeds, BEVA member, Adam Redpath, warned that bare pastures result in a “greater tendency for them to be ingested, as horses are foraging for every last blade of grass”.
A toxic dose for a horse can range from under 100 to serval thousand of seeds. Seeds can also contaminate water courses, especially if the seeds are damaged via trampling feet.
Horses with atypical myopathy may become weak or reluctant to move, and usually develop severe colic-like symptoms, as a result of muscle breakdown. Horses may also pass dark coloured urine.
In regard to their warning, BEVA have urged horse owners to take the necessary steps to prevent the disease.
The BEVA recommend;
– Identifying trees.
– Collecting seeds or excluding horses from affected areas.
– Feeding supplementary hay, to prevent excessive foraging.
– Monitoring horses carefully for signs and symptoms of the disease.
Redpath also advised;
Early veterinary intervention is essential to achieve a favourable outcome.”
“You should contact your vet immediately if you spot any of the signs. Check your fields for sycamore seeds as this will help your vet to make a rapid diagnosis. Specific blood tests have been developed to both measure exposure to the toxin and to make a diagnosis, thanks to research funding from The Horse Trust.”
