Atypical myopathy (AM) is a frequently fatal, acute muscle
disorder, which in Europe is associated with the ingestion of hypoglycin A, a
toxin found in the leaves and seeds of trees such as the Acer pseudoplatanus
(sycamore). However, a recent report from the Czech Republic suggests that it
may be possible for the toxin to cross the placenta or pass to the foal in the
milk.
The report, in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine,
describes a case of Atypical Myopathy in a new born foal.
The Haflinger foal showed signs of depression and weakness six
hours after it was born. At twelve hours old if was unable to stand. Analysis
of the foal's blood revealed increased concentrations of acylcarnitines and
MCPA-carnitine characteristic of blood from AM affected horses.
How did the foal become exposed to the toxin?
The mare had shown signs of AM in the sixth month of
pregnancy. Again, the diagnosis was confirmed by laboratory tests. The mare
recovered with treatment and the foal was born. Prior to foaling the mare had been
grazing in a paddock containing sycamore trees, but showed no clinical signs of
AM.
The report’s authors suggest two possible explanations: “(a)Hypoglycin
A or its metabolites accumulated in the mare's placenta with consequent
transfer to the foetus or (b) these compounds were secreted into mare's milk.”
For more details, see:
Newborn foal
with atypical myopathy.
Karlíková R,
Široká J, Mech M, Friedecký D, Janečková H, Mádrová L, Hrdinová F, Drábková Z,
Dobešová O, Adam T, Jahn P.
J Vet Intern
Med. 2018 Sep 14.
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