Atypical myopathy in the South‐East of England: Clinicopathological data and outcome in hospitalised horses

Abstract

This retrospective case series describes clinicopathological data and outcome of hospitalised atypical myopathy (AM) cases in the South-East of England. The study aimed to describe the frequency of metabolic abnormalities (hyperglycaemia, hyperlactataemia, hypertriglyceridaemia) and outcome in AM cases in the South East of England and test the hypothesis that serum creatine kinase (CK) activity and blood glucose, lactate and triglyceride concentrations are associated with outcome. Medical records (2011-2017) from 3 referral hospitals were reviewed for cases with a clinical diagnosis of AM. A previously described algorithm was applied and cases were included if a diagnosis of AM was considered highly likely. In cases admitted after 2013 known or possible exposure to sycamore trees was also required for inclusion. Sixty-four animals were included, 44% (28/64) survived. Hyperglycaemia, hyperlactataemia and hypertriglyceridaemia were present in 76%, 89% and 92% of horses on admission, respectively. Survivors had lower blood lactate concentrations

Dynamics of acylcarnitines, hypoglycin A, méthylènecyclopropylglycine and their metabolites in a Kladruber stallion with atypical myopathy

“…Other differences in the biochemical profile of our case on the day of admission were similar to those previously reported. Elevated blood glucose and lactate concentrations have been observed in most cases (Votion et al 2007 ; Westermann et al 2008) and are considered predictors of a poor prognosis (Dunkel et al 2020 ). The reason for hyperglycaemia is believed to be a high ability to mobilize glucose from hepatic glycogen stores and may also reflect insulin resistance (Votion et al 2007 ; Sponseller et al 2012 ).…”

Comparison of Fecal Microbiota of Horses Suffering from Atypical Myopathy and Healthy Co-Grazers

“…The clinical picture is characterized by the sudden onset of stiffness, muscular weakness, tachycardia and myoglobinuria, progressing in many cases to recumbency, respiratory difficulties and death [ 7 , 8 ] Despite the discovery of its etiology, there is still no cure for AM and symptomatic therapy is often unsuccessful [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Horses and ponies of any age and breed can be affected, and the reported mortality rate ranges from 43% to 97% [ 7 , 10 ].…”

Answers to the Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Horse Feeding and Management Practices to Reduce the Risk of Atypical Myopathy

“…The overall mortality rate of 74% average data among countries included in the study of van Galen et al, (2012) and does not take into account the different sources of variability [11]. For example, a study reports a lower mortality rate (i.e., 44%) in hospitalized animals [14]. It is hypothesized that less critical cases are driven to a hospital where appropriate symptomatic treatment is easier to provide.…”