Following an influx in admissions to our equine hospital of horses suffering Equine Atypical Myopathy in the past week, we recommend that horse owners restrict access to sycamore trees. The disease, which is also known as Atypical Myoglobinuria, is a potentially fatal condition most commonly seen during the spring and autumn. It is caused by eating the seeds of sycamore trees which contain a toxin (Hypoglycin A) and increased cases occur after wet and windy conditions. Pictures of sycamore seeds and leaves can be seen here. Horses infected suffer from destruction of muscle tissue, including the heart. Clinical signs include sudden stiffness and weakness, dark coloured urine, muscle tremors, difficulty breathing and swallowing, and a low body temperature. Rossdales’ internal medicine specialist Celia Marr said: This week we have had several atypical myopathy cases admitted to the hospital - all sycamore related - and the windy, wet weather last weekend was likely to have been the additional trigger factor. We would recommend removing access to sycamore and providing supplementary feed during bad weather - both are appropriate preventative measures. Breeders should also think about this condition in any horse with dullness, stiffness or difficulty swallowing, which is the presenting sign in a sub-set of patients (probably about 10-20 per cent). Dark urine is a characteristic finding. If you have any concerns or suspect a case of equine atypical myopathy, please contact your vet - vigilant management and prompt treatment is essential.
Posted on: Sun, 19 Oct 2014 11:16:34 +0000