Epidemiologic characteristics and management of polysaccharide storage myopathy in Quarter Horses

• DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2003.64.1319
• Publication Date: 2006-01-23T18:27:20Z
• Authors: Anna M. Firshman; Stephanie J. Valberg; Jeffrey B. Bender; Carrie J. Finno
• Keywords: Quarter (Canadian coin)

Abstract Objective —To characterize onset and clinical signs of polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) in a welldefined population affected Quarter Horses, identify risk factors for PSSM, determine compliance owners to dietary exercise recommendations, evaluate the efficacy recommendations. Animals —40 Horses with PSSM 37 unaffected control horses. Procedure s—Owners horses completed retrospective questionnaire concerning their horse's condition. Results —Between horses, no significant differences were found sex distribution (21 vs 15 females 16 22 males, respectively), temperament, muscle build, diet, or amount turnout. In stiffness, fasciculations, sweating, intolerance, weakness, wasting, reluctance move, colic, abnormal gait, recumbency, lameness, swollen muscles began between age 1 day 14 years (mean age, 4.9 ± 3.5 years). Five developed acute atrophy. Sixty-three percent (25/40) fed recommended 55% (22/40) provided regular exercise, 40% (16/40) followed both Owners which decrease severity frequency was not did follow dietary, All recommendations had improvement PSSM. Conclusions Clinical Relevance —In addition exertional rhabdomyolysis, include atrophy gait abnormalities. It appears that can be managed by following combined gradual increases daily exercise. ( Am J Vet Res 2003; 64:1319–1327)