Atypical myopathy: what you need to know NOW
H&H explains how to identify this deadly condition and what measures you can take to protect your horses
Atypical myopathy
Atypical myopathy is a mysterious illness, usually found in grazing horses — mostly in the autumn and spring — which has been linked to the seeds of the sycamore tree.
It has a fatality rate of 70% and once a horse is exhibiting signs the condition is typically already serious. Some horses have made a successful recovery after being treated with intravenous fluids and intensive care.
Signs of atypical myopathy include muscular weakness and stiffness, dark urine, fatigue, colic-like signs, shivering, sweating and trembling. The onset of the illness can be extremely rapid, with some horses being found dead in their fields.
It is recommended that horses are not grazed in fields that contain sycamore trees, or on pasture that borders them in order to reduce the likelihood of coming into contact with the seeds.
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Credit: Viki Lees Martin ‘You don’t think it will be your horse’: owner’s atypical myopathy warning
‘He was very underneath himself at his back end and looked uncomfortable. At first I thought it was colic and phoned the vet. I took his rug off and he had muscle tremors, his breathing and heart were racing’
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DGRD57 Some sycamore seeds UK Owners urged to act now after ‘perfect storm’ increases atypical myopathy risk
The disease can occur up to four days after exposure and owners should contact their vet immediately if they spot any signs
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5 common plants that could kill your horse
While many plants can be poisonous if eaten to excess, there are some poisonous plants that horses should avoid at all costs
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Credit: D. Votion Sycamore seeds — what’s the risk to my horse and how do I get rid of them?
Knowing the sycamore is the first step to sorting a problem...
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Atypical myopathy: study finds charcoal could help sick horses
Researchers found activated charcoal could help some horses in certain atypical myopathy cases
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‘Know your horse’: how simple actions can save your horse’s life
‘If you can prevent deterioration until the vet arrives, you're going to do such an amazing thing’
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Owners warned of atypical myopathy danger after storms
A surge of cases of the fatal equine disease came last time major storms hit the UK
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Library image Credit: Alamy Stock Photo 'Don't let it be your horse': atypical myopathy warning after racehorse dies
Owners are being urged to check their fields for sycamore seedlings now as the often-fatal condition can affect horses in spring as well as autumn
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Filly makes 'miraculous' recovery from atypical myopathy
'We were all crying our eyes out. If it had been an hour later she wouldn’t have been with us.'
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How to protect horses from atypical myopathy *H&H VIP*
Could exercise and a regular vitamin and mineral supplement help protect grazing horses from the devastating effects of atypical myopathy? Andrea Oakes reports
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Credit: D. Votion H&H question of the week: 'Seasonal pasture myopathy — what are the signs and prognosis?'
Nikki Pursey MA VetMB CertAVP(ESM) MRCVS of Farr & Pusey Equine Vets shares her expert advice on the deadly seasonal pasture myopathy
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Atypical myopathy: 'Be vigilant this spring' to protect your horse
Owners have been urged to take steps to combat this often fatal disease
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Vets issue fresh warning over often-fatal equine condition
Vets are urging horse owners to be on alert for signs seasonal pasture myopathy, formerly known as atypical myopathy
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Seasonal pasture myopathy: know the signs [H&H VIP]
Speed is of the essence when treating a horse with the potentially fatal seasonal condition, atypical myopathy
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Atypical myopathy kills 75%: owners and vets warned to be on alert
As spring approaches there are fears that the equine industry could be facing another surge in potentially fatal atypical myopathy cases
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Can you help with atypical myopathy research?
Has your horse suffered from atypical myopathy? The Animal Health Trust needs your help with their reseach into the deadly condition
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Owners urged to identify trees after equine fatalities
With increased warnings about atypical myopathy, owners are urged to take extra care in identifying potentially dangerous trees — but not to panic and cut them down
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More atypical myopathy deaths: family issues warning to fellow horse owners
A family are urging other owners to be on their guard as the fatal disease atypical myopathy continues to claim equine lives
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Atypical myopathy claims more horses' lives
Owners of horses who have become fatal victims of seasonal disease come forward to share their stories and raise awareness
