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The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice2018; 34(2); 253-276; doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2018.04.004

Muscle Conditions Affecting Sport Horses.

Abstract: Optimal function of skeletal muscle is essential for successful athletic performance. Even minor derangements in locomotor muscle function will impact power output, coordination, stamina, and desire to work during exercise. In this review, the presenting clinical signs, differential diagnoses, approach to diagnostic testing and treatment of muscle atrophy and weakness, focal muscle strain, and exertional myopathies are discussed. Exertional myopathies include polysaccharide storage myopathies, recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis, malignant hyperthermia, and myofibrillar myopathy.
Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2018-05-28 PubMed ID: 29853158DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2018.04.004Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article discusses the impact of various muscle conditions, including muscle atrophy and weakness, focal muscle strain, and exertional myopathies, on the athletic performance of sport horses. Furthermore, it outlines the symptoms, potential causes, diagnostic tests, and treatments for these conditions.

Muscle Conditions in Sport Horses

The article conducted an in-depth exploration of how muscle conditions may adversely affect the performance of horses in sports. Primarily, it focused on assessing four specific conditions:

  • Muscle atrophy and weakness
  • Focal muscle strain
  • Exertional myopathies

Clinical Signs and Differential Diagnoses

The study suggested that even minor changes in muscle function can affect a horse’s sporting performance, impacting their power output, coordination, stamina, and desire to participate. It provided an array of clinical signs to look out for in diagnosing these muscle conditions, along with some potential differential diagnoses – conditions which may show similar symptoms.

Diagnostic Testing and Treatment

The research article then scrutinised the different methods of diagnostic testing that can be employed to ascertain the presence of these muscle conditions. Following this, it examined various current treatment methods to ameliorate or possibly eradicate these conditions, thereby improving the horse’s sporting performance.

Exertional Myopathies

In particular, the article made an extensive study of exertional myopathies – muscle diseases caused due to exertion. These myopathies included:

  • Polysaccharide storage myopathies (an inherited muscle disease in horses that affects the storage of glycogen, an important energy source for muscles)
  • Recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (a condition where muscle tissue breaks down due to overexertion)
  • Malignant hyperthermia (a life-threatening reaction to certain drugs used during general anesthesia)
  • Myofibrillar myopathy (a genetic disorder impairing muscle functions)

In sum, the study offered critical insight into how muscle conditions can hinder the athletic performance in sport horses and how these maladies can be diagnosed and treated.

Cite This Article

APA
Valberg SJ. (2018). Muscle Conditions Affecting Sport Horses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 34(2), 253-276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2018.04.004

Publication

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
ISSN: 1558-4224
NlmUniqueID: 8511904
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 34
Issue: 2
Pages: 253-276

Researcher Affiliations

Valberg, Stephanie J
  • Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, McPhail Equine Performance Center, 736 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. Electronic address: valbergs@msu.edu.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Horse Diseases / genetics
  • Horse Diseases / pathology
  • Horses
  • Muscular Diseases / genetics
  • Muscular Diseases / pathology
  • Muscular Diseases / veterinary
  • Physical Exertion

Citations

This article has been cited 16 times.
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  9. Valberg SJ, Schultz AE, Finno CJ, Bellone RR, Hughes SS. Prevalence of clinical signs and factors impacting expression of myosin heavy chain myopathy in Quarter Horse-related breeds with the MYH1(E321G) mutation. J Vet Intern Med 2022 May;36(3):1152-1159.
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