Myasthenia gravis in horses: causes, first aid and treatment
Muscovirus is one of those diseases that can surprise any horse owner. Sometimes it appears after too much exertion, other times it is the result of metabolic problems. In any case, it is a condition that requires a rapid response. Knowing the causes, symptoms and effective treatments can determine the health and comfort of your horse. Do you know how to recognize the first signs of myasthenia gravis and what to do to prevent it? Learn more by reading on.
What is myasthenia gravis in horses?
Musculoskeletal, or so-called "exertional paralysis", is a problem that can happen to any horse. It usually occurs after too much exercise, especially in horses that have not been well prepared for it, but it can also be the result of metabolic problems. It manifests itself with sudden muscle stiffness, pain and difficulty in movement. In more severe cases, if nothing is done, muscle damage can occur. We can talk about two types: sharp, which occurs after one strong effort, and chronic, which can recur and often has a genetic or metabolic basis. This is a serious matter, so it is worth knowing how to recognize the symptoms and how to act to avoid more serious consequences.
How to recognize myasthenia gravis in a horse?
Myasthenia gravis in horses can start with minor symptoms that are easily overlooked, especially in horses with a high tolerance for pain. However, over time it becomes more and more apparent - the horse begins to be stiff, reluctant to move, and sometimes avoids taking steps altogether. The muscles, especially those in the back and rump, become hard and painful, causing the horse visible discomfort. Many horses are starting to sweat excessively, even though they were not physically active. In addition, acceleration of breathing and heart rate indicates stress and pain.One of the most common and characteristic symptoms is dark or brown color of urine, which means that the muscles have been damaged, and myoglobin - a protein released from damaged muscles - enters the bloodstream.
What causes myasthenia gravis in horses? Most common causes
Excessive effort
Musculoskeletal often occurs when a horse gets too much exertion, especially after a long period of rest. When the training load increases rapidly and the muscles are not properly prepared, they can easily become overloaded. In addition, failure to warm up before training and improper post-exercise cooling can only exacerbate the problem.
Improper diet
When a horse gets a bad diet, rich in sugars and starches and poor in electrolytes, vitamin E and selenium, the muscles become weaker and more prone to injury. The diet should be well balanced to provide all the necessary ingredients to support muscle function and prevent muscle damage.
Metabolic problems
If a horse has electrolyte balance problems, such as low levels of potassium, calcium or magnesium, this can lead to muscle spasms and a greater risk of myositis. When the metabolism does not function properly, the body has difficulty recovering from exercise, and muscles are more easily overloaded.
Stress and poor organization of the horse's life
Long hours in a stall, changes in location or stress before a competition can make a horse more prone to myofibrosis. Stress is a real enemy - it causes tension in the muscles, which can lead to muscle strain. Therefore, it is important to provide the horse with regular exercise and stable conditions.
How to treat myasthenia gravis in horses?
As soon as you notice signs of myofibrosis, stop the horse right away. Don't force him to make further efforts, as this will only make the situation worse. Give it peace, comfort and rest so that the muscles have a chance to recover. It is necessary to provide the animal with calm and comfortable resting conditions.Move the horse to a dry and warm place where it can rest, and ensure that it has access to fresh water. Administering electrolytes will help support its regenerative processes and flush toxins from the body. It's also a good idea to apply cold compresses to painful areas to relieve inflammation. If the symptoms do not disappear or the horse's condition worsens, you need to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatories to relieve pain and inflammation. Intravenous drips are also often used to help rid the body of toxins. The vet may also order blood tests to check muscle enzyme levels and assess how much muscle damage there is. It is worthwhile to monitor the horse's condition on an ongoing basis, as a quick response can speed up recovery.
How to prevent myasthenia gravis in horses?
After the symptoms of myofascitis have subsided, it is extremely important to gradually introduce the horse to normal physical activity. A sudden return to intense exercise can lead to relapse and deterioration of the animal's health. The horse's diet should also be analyzed - it may be important to reduce starches and sugars and increase the proportion of fats, as well as supplementation vitamin E, selenium i electrolytes. To keep your muscles in shape and not prone to stiffness, it's a good idea to massage and stretch your body regularly. It really makes a difference when it comes to preventing tension and improving flexibility. Prudent organization of training is also important. There's no point in pushing your horse to its limits at once - gradually increase their intensity and always remember to warm up solidly before and cool down after. This will not only avoid problems, but also make your training more effective and safe.Let's not forget the importance of proper living conditions for the horse. Constant access to exercise, a well-balanced diet and avoidance of unnecessary stress are needed for his well-being. Regular visits to the vet and blood tests are something that can catch problems early, before more serious complications arise, like another attack of muscovirus.
Summary
Muscovirus is a disease that can appear suddenly, but can just as well recur if we do not take proper care of our horse. If you notice muscle stiffness, pain, excessive sweating, and on top of that changes in urine color in your horse - don't wait. This is a clear signal that something is wrong and it is time to act immediately. The sooner you react to the first signs of problems, the easier the recovery will be. Take care of your horse so that you don't have to worry about myofibrosis in the future.