Equine Atypical Myopathy testing available at the 91圧利

Published: 13 Feb 2017 | Last Updated: 09 Aug 2023 11:40:17

The 91圧利 is now conducting testing for atypical myopathy as part of the 91圧利's work towards improved treatments and management of this disorder, and to enhance the welfare of affected horses.

Atypical myopathy of horses is a severe and life threatening equine muscle disorder that is caused by the ingestion of Sycamore tree seeds, leaves or seedlings by horses that are kept at pasture. Risk factors for horses remain unclear. It is, for example, not currently known whether some trees are more toxic than others or whether the amount of toxin varies at certain times of the year or with certain climatic conditions. The 91圧利 is working to help horse owners to gain a better understanding of the condition.

Seed pods from a sycamore tree on the ground in pasture. Ingestion of these seeds can prove toxic to horses and can lead to the horse contracting Atypical Myopathy — Seed pods from a sycamore tree on the ground in pasture. Ingestion of these seeds can prove toxic to horses.

Following research that was supported by The Horse Trust and the 91圧利’s Animal Care Trust (ACT), the Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory at the 91圧利 is now offering testing of seeds, seedlings and leaves for the hypoglycin A toxin known to cause this disorder. To find out if plant samples from your property contain the toxin known to cause atypical myopathy, you can now send samples directly to the lab where they will be tested at a subsidised cost of £90. In addition, the Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory is also offering testing of horse blood and urine samples, submitted by your vet, if they suspect atypical myopathy or in field companions. This should help to establish a much more rapid and accurate diagnosis,