Attention: first cases of Equine Atypical Myopathy

On 10th of Octobre in Wetterau a colt and a two-year-old stallion had to be put down for Equine Atypical Myopathy. The clinical signs of atypical myopathy appear peracute. The rare premonitory signs described by owners consist of lethargy, decrease of appetite, signs of colic, stiffness or lameness. All horses presenting atypical myopathy suffer from severe, generalised weakness and are frequently found in lateral recumbency. Sometimes, they are found dead on pasture without showing any premonitory signs. Signs of colic can be present, most probably due to the difficulty to urinate. The distension of the bladder could indeed explain the signs of colic that usually disappear once the veterinarian empties the bladder. However, colic sign unresponsive to bladder emptying may indicate coexistence of abdominal colic and atypical myopathy. For more information (in English) read here: www.myopathieatypique.fr.