Your horses can be more susceptible to Atypical Myopathy in the autumn, when the paddocks are bare and the autumnal winds blow.
Atypical myopathy is caused by horses eating sycamore seeds. These seedlings when eaten release a toxin that slows down the horses energy production in the horses muscle fibres.
Clinical signs to look out for:
- Sweating
- High heart rate
- Depression
- Stiffness
- Muscle tremors
- Colic
- Red/ brown urine
Sycamore seeds can travel three times the height of the parent tree. If you have trees near your horses always check for seedlings. If at all possible remove the trees, if this is not possible always make sure that there is enough for your horses to eat and fence off the area where the seedlings are likely to be.
Atypical myopathy has a high mortality rate. However, if caught early enough coupled with aggressive treatment, cases can recover.
If you are at all concerned about your horse potentially eating sycamore seedlings you must contact your vet immediately.
If you would like more information please call us on 01428 723594.
