Often linked with Autumn and Winter when horses eat the seeds that have fallen onto their pasture, did you know that Atypical myopathy is also prevalent in Spring due to horses eating the germinating seedlings.
Seeds and seedlings contain the toxin hypoglycin A (HGA) which slows or stops energy production in muscle and heart
Make sure you look for these during your field checks and remove any seedlings coming up.
Keep a look out in your horse for the clinical signs:
- General weakness : horses struggle to walk, stand and breathe
- Many horses develop heart problems.
- Horses appear depressed with low hanging heads
- Muscle trembling
- Signs of severe colic – yet, unlike colic, they still have an appetite
- Brown or dark red urine
- Severely affected horses become unable to stand
Atypical Myopathy can be fatal so do not delay contacting your vet if you see any of these signs.
For more information click on the link below for a great fact sheet from the RVC
https://www.rvc.ac.uk/equine-vet/information-and-advice/fact-files/atypical-myopathy
New Forest Animal Osteopathy 