An Outbreak of Myoglobinuria in Light Horses.

The research article discusses a case of myoglobinuria, an uncommon condition, identified in a group of horses. These events were unique given they had not been observed previously under similar circumstances.

Background

• The study focuses on an outbreak of myoglobinuria, a condition in which a protein called myoglobin is found in the urine, in a group of four light horses.
• This incident was reported on October 24, 1959, by the owner of the horses.
• The owner noticed that one of his four-year-old Standardbred mares, which had seemed stiff the night before, was unable to get up the next morning. This mare was one of the three mares and a five-month-old colt owned by the individual.
• The horses were kept in an almost barren field of around three acres during the day and were sheltered at night. The area was bordered by a country road on one side, a small forest on another, a railway embankment on the third, and an unfenced stream on the fourth that separated the field from additional rough, uncultivated land.
• The field also housed an old barn and various scraps, including numerous empty cans, which the horses could access freely. Despite these conditions, all the horses were healthy and had been fed a diet rich in red clover and rolled oats.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

• The affected mare was observed to be sweating in patches, moaning continuously due to severe pain, and breathing rapidly.
• While it tried to stand up during the physical inspection, the mare was too weak and laid down again within a few minutes. The owner also reported that the horse had passed a large amount of blood-stained urine.
• Initially, the researchers suspected kidney hemorrhage and potential poisoning, given the pasture’s nature, with hemlock poisoning considered a possible cause. However, they later realized that these symptoms indicated a case of myoglobinuria.

Treatment

• Initial treatment included an antihistamine, Pyrahistinel, and a vitamin B complex with iron preparation, Vitron2. Further details about the treatment are not provided in the abstract.