Prevalence of equine polysaccharide storage myopathy and other myopathies in two equine populations in the United Kingdom.

This study is about determining the frequency of equine polysaccharide storage myopathy (EPSM) and other muscle diseases in two different horse populations in the UK.

Study Objective and Methodology

• The study aimed to recognize the prevalence of Equine Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (EPSM), a muscle disease in horses, in two different UK horse populations.
• The researchers obtained biopsy specimens from 94 horses at an abattoir (population 1), and 46 horses with neuromuscular issues presented at a university referral hospital (population 2). The study period was four years.
• A veterinary pathologist examined these histological sections for signs including abnormal polysaccharide inclusions in the muscle fibers.

Study Findings

• From population 1, EPSM diagnosis was found in 8% and non-specific muscle disease occurred in 33% of the horses.
• In population 2, there were 22% EPSM diagnoses, 15% Equine Motor Neurone Disease (EMND), and 37% non-specific muscle disease.
• There was no significant difference in the distribution of age, sex, or breed, and muscle disease diagnosis within each population.
• However, the two populations differed in age, breed distributions and muscle disease diagnosis.
• EPSM was diagnosed in draft, Warmblood, and related breeds, including cob-types for the first time.
• EMND was reported in 7 out of 46 horses presented for neuromuscular disease and weakness, marking it an important diagnosis in the UK.

Study Conclusion

• Overall, the study revealed a high prevalence of EPSM and other muscle diseases in the typical breeds of horses in the UK.