Post by feemac on Jan 5, 2010 9:38:07 GMT 1
I received this in an email this morning has anyone heard about it. Please spread the word, I thought this would be a good place to post.
A notification from the North of Scotland, but I think it is worth all horse owners and riders in the UK being aware of this disease......
We have unfortunately had three cases of atypical myoglobinuria, a fatal disease of young grazing horses, within our region and we would like to raise awareness of the disease.
Three horses have been destroyed after a diagnosis of atypical myoglobinuria was reached by Kessock Equine Vets this autumn and early winter. The signs include stiffness, depression with a low-head carriage, a high heart rate and a high breathing rate. Very dark brown urine is produced and the animals eventually collapse and can't get back up onto their feet. There has been an outbreak of this disease throughout Western Europe and over 200 horses have died. The disease mainly affects young stock, grazing permanent pasture with close proximity to water courses, such as lochs and rivers. A link has been suggested with pastures which have lots of deciduous trees and hence leaves on the ground. Prevention advice is limited to providing shelter and supplementary feeds when the weather is damp or wet. Providing stabling for part of the day, also helps reduce the risk. We have placed a notification on our web site at www.kessockequinevets.co.uk and more detailed information can be found at www.myopathieatypique.be.
Suffice to say, that this is a very serious disease and early treatment is essential for any hope of success. If owners notice stiffness in a horse or pony that looks under-the-weather, they should contact their vet immediately.
A notification from the North of Scotland, but I think it is worth all horse owners and riders in the UK being aware of this disease......
We have unfortunately had three cases of atypical myoglobinuria, a fatal disease of young grazing horses, within our region and we would like to raise awareness of the disease.
Three horses have been destroyed after a diagnosis of atypical myoglobinuria was reached by Kessock Equine Vets this autumn and early winter. The signs include stiffness, depression with a low-head carriage, a high heart rate and a high breathing rate. Very dark brown urine is produced and the animals eventually collapse and can't get back up onto their feet. There has been an outbreak of this disease throughout Western Europe and over 200 horses have died. The disease mainly affects young stock, grazing permanent pasture with close proximity to water courses, such as lochs and rivers. A link has been suggested with pastures which have lots of deciduous trees and hence leaves on the ground. Prevention advice is limited to providing shelter and supplementary feeds when the weather is damp or wet. Providing stabling for part of the day, also helps reduce the risk. We have placed a notification on our web site at www.kessockequinevets.co.uk and more detailed information can be found at www.myopathieatypique.be.
Suffice to say, that this is a very serious disease and early treatment is essential for any hope of success. If owners notice stiffness in a horse or pony that looks under-the-weather, they should contact their vet immediately.
