Seasonal pasture myopathy research

University of Minnesota researchers are seeking the help of horse owners to find out more about Seasonal Pasture Myopathy. This condition, which is frequently fatal, has been identified increasingly in the Midwestern US.

Horses with Seasonal Pasture Myopathy (SPM) suffer from severe, generalised muscle weakness. They are often unable to get to their feet, or only do so with difficulty. If they are still able to walk, they have a stiff gait - especially of the hindquarters. Affected animals have elevated heart rates, and show profuse sweating and muscle twitching. They often have increased respiratory rates. Dark brown colouration of the urine is characteristic. The mortality rate can exceed 90%.

“We have already seen suspected cases of seasonal pasture myopathy this fall in Minnesota and feel it is an under-diagnosed condition in North America,” said lead researcher Dr. Stephanie Valberg of the University of Minnesota. “Our goal is to work with horse owners to identify which horses are at risk and find the best diagnostic test for this condition.”

The research team need to build up a database of information on cases of the SPM, so that they can start to work out / identify the common risk factors. They hope to be able then to make suggestions of management changes to reduce the risk of the disease condition

If you suspect your horses has (or had) SPM, Dr Valberg's research team would like to hear from you. The first step is to complete a short questionnaire to see if your horse has the condition.

For more details about Seasonal Pasture Myopathy, and details of how you can help research into the condition, go to the University of Minnesota Equine Center website:

http://www.cvm.umn.edu/umec/SPM/home.html