Post by IH Health on Mar 31, 2009 11:51:51 GMT 1
EPSM (Equine Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy)
Also known as
PSSM (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy) in Quarter Horse Circles, Monday Morning Disease
What is it?
EPSM is a disease that affects the muscles and is most commonly found in heavy horse breeds or those with lineage to draft breeds, although it is also now seen in ‘finer’ breeds such as Thoroughbreds and Arabs.
Causes
It is believed that essentially EPSM is a hereditary disease that stops the equine from digesting grain properly. This starves the muscles of essential nutrients and minerals causing muscle damage. Most horses have the potential to get EPSM (Especially the working breeds) but the trigger to the disease is not well understood. Massive research is being carried out at present.
Symptoms
• Muscle wastage and weakness, especially in the rear quarters
• Lameness or gait abnormality
• Intolerance of work and poor performance
• Conditions such as Stringhalt, Tying Up (Rhabdomyolysis) and Shivers
• High and unusual leg carriage whilst walking (especially rear legs) or discordination.
• Difficulties with anaesthesia
Diagnosis
EPSM is normally diagnosed through ruling out other conditions. The easiest way to test for it is to use the ‘added fat’ diet (see Treatment section). This is normally carried out for up to 6 months and if the horse improves then EPSM can be essentially diagnosed. Other diagnosis tools can be muscle biopsies and an endocrine test after exercise.
Treatment
EPSM can’t be cured, it is a case of managing the condition. When properly managed, horses can be in any kind of work.
The ‘added fat’ diet is where grains, starches and sugars are removed from the diet and a high oil amount is fed – normally a vegetable oil along with supplemented Selenium, Vitamin E and forage. The amounts of each are dependent on the horse and its workload so it is worth talking to your vet about this.
Websites (click on title for link)
Rural Heritage
Wikipedia
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
PSSM
Little help with feeding / possible epsm
ERS Pellets
Which Oil do you feed?
EPSM
Supplements – what works/doesn’t work
Building confidence in horse
any info/links for ESPM/Insulin res/laminitus
Any info on EPSM?
Sigh. Zacs ‘Adhesions’
Is this an improvement?
Crikey is JJ the quarter horse a reformed chap?
Epsm?
+ plenty more on the search facility!
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
Also known as
PSSM (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy) in Quarter Horse Circles, Monday Morning Disease
What is it?
EPSM is a disease that affects the muscles and is most commonly found in heavy horse breeds or those with lineage to draft breeds, although it is also now seen in ‘finer’ breeds such as Thoroughbreds and Arabs.
Causes
It is believed that essentially EPSM is a hereditary disease that stops the equine from digesting grain properly. This starves the muscles of essential nutrients and minerals causing muscle damage. Most horses have the potential to get EPSM (Especially the working breeds) but the trigger to the disease is not well understood. Massive research is being carried out at present.
Symptoms
• Muscle wastage and weakness, especially in the rear quarters
• Lameness or gait abnormality
• Intolerance of work and poor performance
• Conditions such as Stringhalt, Tying Up (Rhabdomyolysis) and Shivers
• High and unusual leg carriage whilst walking (especially rear legs) or discordination.
• Difficulties with anaesthesia
Diagnosis
EPSM is normally diagnosed through ruling out other conditions. The easiest way to test for it is to use the ‘added fat’ diet (see Treatment section). This is normally carried out for up to 6 months and if the horse improves then EPSM can be essentially diagnosed. Other diagnosis tools can be muscle biopsies and an endocrine test after exercise.
Treatment
EPSM can’t be cured, it is a case of managing the condition. When properly managed, horses can be in any kind of work.
The ‘added fat’ diet is where grains, starches and sugars are removed from the diet and a high oil amount is fed – normally a vegetable oil along with supplemented Selenium, Vitamin E and forage. The amounts of each are dependent on the horse and its workload so it is worth talking to your vet about this.
Websites (click on title for link)
Rural Heritage
Wikipedia
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
PSSM
Little help with feeding / possible epsm
ERS Pellets
Which Oil do you feed?
EPSM
Supplements – what works/doesn’t work
Building confidence in horse
any info/links for ESPM/Insulin res/laminitus
Any info on EPSM?
Sigh. Zacs ‘Adhesions’
Is this an improvement?
Crikey is JJ the quarter horse a reformed chap?
Epsm?
+ plenty more on the search facility!
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.