Equine myositis, also known as coup de sang or Monday sickness, is a muscular condition that can affect horses of all ages and breeds. This disorder can vary in severity and symptoms, from mild muscle pain to partial or total paralysis.
Understanding the causes, symptoms and treatments available for this condition is crucial for any horse owner or equine professional.
What is equine myositis ?
Equine myositis is characterized by acute destruction of the muscles lumbar and buttock muscles following exercise or major stress (transport, displacement…).
What are the symptoms of equine myositis ?
Symptoms of myositis can vary depending on the severity of the severity of the condition.
Common signs include :
– Stiffness of the hindquarters and difficulty engaging them.
– Lameness
– Reluctance or refusal to move forward
– Induration and pain on palpation of the buttock and lumbar muscles
– Tremors or muscle spasms
– A hunched posture
The horse feels very sore, preventing him from moving properly. General stiffness, excessive sweating and blood in the urine, turning it dark or even brown, are also characteristic signs of equine myositis.
Causes of equine myositis
The causes of myositis in horses are varied and can include :
Excessive exercise : horses that undergo intense or prolonged training sessions without an adequate period of recovery are at risk of developing myositis.
Endurance racing : if the race is run in hot, humid conditions, the horse may develop myositis.
Nutritional imbalance : an unbalanced diet can cause myositis, particularly if the diet is too rich in concentrates after one or more days of rest during which the quantity of concentrates has not been reduced accordingly.
The same applies to a diet unbalanced in vitamins and minerals.
To help you, we invite you to read our article on horse nutrition.
A genetic problem : certain breeds of horse, such as Quarter Horses, are genetically predisposed to specific forms of myositis, such as myositis, such as polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM).
Chronic myositis is often due to genetic predisposition, and is favoured by :
– PSSM : as mentioned above, this involves the storage of glucose in the cell in an abnormal form.
– RER : a defect in intracellular calcium regulation.
– Myofibrillar myopathy : characterized by disorganization of the myofibrils responsible for muscle cell contraction.
– Malignant hyperthermia, which also affects Quarter Horses and related breeds (Paint, Appaloosa).
How to diagnose blood stroke in horses ?
The diagnosis of myositis relies on a combination of clinical and laboratory tests. Veterinarians can perform blood tests to measure levels of muscle enzymes such as creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which are often elevated in myositis.
A muscle biopsy may also be necessary to identify specific cellular abnormalities and confirm the type of myositis.
Treatments for equine myositis
The treatment of myositis in horses depends on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms.
Common therapeutic approaches include :
Rest and exercise management : rest is crucial to allow the muscles to muscles to repair themselves. Gradual resumption of exercise under veterinary supervision is recommended.
Medication : in severe forms, it is often necessary to infuse the horse and administer anti-inflammatory drugs.
Good hydration : maintaining good hydration is essential. Intravenous solutions can be administered in cases of severe dehydration.
Proper nutrition : adjust the horse’s diet to include appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals can help prevent the recurrence of myositis. Vitamin E and selenium supplements are particularly beneficial.
Equine massage: massage and stretching can help improve blood circulation and reduce muscle stiffness.
Find out more in our previous articles:
Stretching the horse : benefits and techniques to improve flexibility
Equine massage : a treatment to introduce into your horse’s lifestyle today
How to prevent equine myositis ?
Preventing myositis involves proper management of exercise and horse feed.
Some preventive advice :
Progressive training : avoid sudden increases in exercise intensity and allow adequate recovery periods.
A balanced diet : offer your horse a diet rich in essential nutrients and monitor vitamin and mineral levels.
Hydration : ensure constant access to clean, fresh water, especially in hot weather or after strenuous exercise.
Regular monitoring : carry out regular health checks and look out for any early signs of myositis.
Equine myositis is a complex muscular disorder requiring special attention in terms of diagnosis and treatment. By understanding the causes and symptoms of this disease, horse owners and equine professionals can take proactive steps to prevent its onset and ensure effective management of affected horses. Proper management of exercise, diet and veterinary care are essential to maintain muscle health in horses and prevent episodes of myositis.