European outbreak of atypical myopathy in the autumn 2009

Abstract

Differences were encountered during the described outbreak of atypical myopathy in October 2009 compared with previous outbreaks reported. Equine practitioners should be aware that previous epidemiological studies have shown that after a high prevalence in the autumn, new cases are likely to occur in the following spring.

Equine atypical myopathy in the UK: Epidemiological characteristics of cases reported from 2011 to 2015 and factors associated with survival

“…Low body temperature is most likely a consequence of systemic shock while bladder distention could be linked to partial disruption and/or paresis of bladder muscles. In addition, CK serum activity was negatively associated with survival in this study, in contrast to previous studies . This association may have relevance for practitioners as most have access to biochemistry analysers and results can be available soon after examination.…”

“…Despite the lack of significance in the multivariable analysis, some prognostic factors identified in the univariable analysis can be considered of clinical relevance. Hypothermia, elevated heart rate and distended bladder have been recognised as clinical signs frequently encountered in horses with AM but it has not been previously shown to be associated with survival. Low body temperature is most likely a consequence of systemic shock while bladder distention could be linked to partial disruption and/or paresis of bladder muscles.…”

Traditional and Quantitative Assessment of Acid‐Base and Shock Variables in Horses with Atypical Myopathy

“…The survival rate of this study (12%) is lower than in other recent studies (25–26%) . This is explained by the fact that this study has a different study population, only including referral cases.…”

“…Cases were either admitted to the equine clinic of Liege University, Belgium (n = 21), the equine clinic of Giessen University, Germany (n = 6), the equine clinic of Ghent University, Belgium (n = 5), or Rossdales and Partners, Newmarket, UK (n = 2). Horses were confirmed (C cases) or strongly suspected of having AM (highly probable ‐ HP cases) as defined in previous studies . In addition, frozen serum of 3 horses was available and retrospective acylcarnitine analysis allowed identification of the typical MADD‐like biochemical defect …”

The cause of atypical myopathy has been discovered – what should we do now?

“…Equine atypical myopathy (AM) in Europe has moved from anecdotal reports (Anonymous 1985, Hosie et al 1986, Whitwell et al 1988, Hillam 1991, Robinson 1991, Delguste et al 2002 to large outbreaks (Brandt et al 1997, van Galen et al 2010, van Galen et al 2012a over the years. Nearly 1,600 European cases of AM from about twenty European countries have been reported to the Atypical Myopathy Alert Group (AMAG) via its dedicated website (http//www.myopathie-atypique.be) between autumn 2006 and January 2015.…”