28/10/2022
❗️Warning to horse owners❗️
This is the prime time of year for horses to be affected by atypical myopathy and we’re urging all owners to be vigilant for sycamore seeds, leaves, or seedlings in their pastures.
So, what is atypical myopathy? Atypical myopathy is a severe and often fatal muscle disorder caused by eating sycamore seeds, leaves, or seedlings. It is fatal in approximately 75% of cases and prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential if horses are to have any chance of survival. So if you think your horse might have atypical myopathy, please call your vet right away.
Symptoms include:
👉 Muscle weakness, soreness, or stiffness; horses may struggle to walk, stand or breathe
👉 Dull/depressed with low hanging head
👉 Lethargy/fatigue
👉 Muscle trembling
👉 Colic-like symptoms (e.g., shivering, sweating)
👉 Brown or dark red urine
Prevention is definitely better than cure, so it is essential you are able to identify the plant and its parts. Avoid letting horses graze in fields with/near sycamore trees or if this isn’t possible, fence off areas closest to the trees. Check your pastures regularly and thoroughly for seeds, leaves, and seedlings and if any are spotted remove them immediately.
For more advice on poisonous plants, visit our website now - https://bit.ly/3svAKWd