Treatment of equine muscle disorders

Question 1

Describe how do we treat acute episodes of rhabdomyolysis

Answer 1

Pain relief- NSAIDs, ACP, +/- detomidine and butorphanol
IVFT - for moderate- severe cases
stable rest for 48 hrs
muscle relaxants- methocarbamol or dantrium
anti-oxidants

Question 2

Describe how we manage sporadic rhabdomyolysis

Answer 2

alter training program- slow down
maintain deit with good Ca:P ratio 2:1
keep access to good quality hay
provide NaCl
do not feed concentrates
feed 4-8% fat

Question 3

Describe how we manage recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis

Answer 3

manage the environment and reduce stress
small levels of daily exercise
don’t hold back when galloping
ACP and dantrium if environmental changes are insufficient

Question 4

Describe how to manage PSSM-1

Answer 4

modify the diet- higher protein, moderate starch and sugar, avoid sweet feeds add vits and mins
provide consitent exercise and avoid long periods of rest

Question 5

Describe how to manage myofibrillar myopathy

Answer 5

modify the diet- moderate starch/ sugar/ fat/ protein, add antioxidants
Provide consistent exercise

Question 6

Describe how to treat HYPP

Answer 6

limit potassium intake
provide consistent exercise
if there is paresis- need to provide epinephrine, calcium gluconate and dextrose

Question 7

Describe how to treat atypical myopathy

Answer 7

IVFT
replenish vit B12 stores
anti-oxidants
toxin binders- charcoal or bio-sponge
correct electrolyte abnormalities
analgesia

Question 8

Describe how to manage atypical myopathy

Answer 8

careful with feeding - provide glucose sources
monitor cardiac function- regular auscultation
provide thick bedding
urinary catheterisation
keep the stable warm

Question 9

Describe how to treat immune-mediated myopathy

Answer 9

IVFT
antibiotics
steroids - dexmethasone followed by prednisolone

Question 10

Describe how to treat myonecrosis

Answer 10

drain the abcsess
antibiotics - broad spec- high dose penicillin or metronidazole
control pain- flunixin or phenylbutazone