Once again, Europe is seeing a seasonal rise in cases of Atypical Myopathy.Horses with Atypical Myopathy suffer from severe, generalised weakness. They are often unable to get to their feet, or only do so with difficulty. If they are still able to walk, they do so with a stiff gait - especially of the hindquarters. Muscle tremors and generalised or patchy sweating may be seen. Affected animals have elevated heart rates. They often have increased respiratory rates, with difficulty on expiration. The rectal temperature is usually below normal. Dark brown colouration of the urine is characteristic. Despite the severity of the signs, horses often still seem keen to eat and will try to grasp hay that is held close to their mouth. Often the first sign of disease is stiffness, especially of the hindquarters. However, it is not unusual for severely affected cases to be found dead on the pasture with no previous sign of illness. The Atypical Myopathy Alert Group was set up to help owners take preventive measures against the disease. The Group reported that by 23rd December 2011, 116 clinical cases compatible with a diagnosis of Atypical Myopathy had been communicated to Liege University, Belgium, and RESPE (Réseau d’Epidémio-Surveillance en Pathologie Équine: Network of epidemiological surveillance on equine diseases) in France.
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