How Common Is Imm In Horses?

HOW COMMON IS IMM? Immune mediated myositis is rare in horses outside of the Quarter Horse-related breeds and it is the most common cause of rapid atrophy of the topline in Quarter and Paint horses.

What causes IMM in horses?

Equine immune-mediated myositis (IMM) is a disease occurring in Quarter horses and QH-related breeds that typically causes rapid and severe symmetrical wasting of the topline muscles, often following exposure to or vaccination against respiratory infection by Streptococcus equi, the organism responsible for equine “

What causes rapid muscle loss in horses?

Immune-mediated myositis (IMM) is an autoimmune disease that causes rapid onset of muscle atrophy (wasting) along the topline and hindquarters. This can result in the loss of 40% of muscle mass within 48 hours that can persist for months. The disease has been identified in Quarter Horses and related breeds.

What causes exertional rhabdomyolysis in horses?

Horses of any age or breed can get sporadic exertional rhabdomyolysis. Common causes include overexertion, muscle trauma, nutritional or electrolyte imbalances and extreme fatigue.

What is myh1 horse?

Myosin-heavy chain myopathy (MYHM) is a muscle disease in Quarter Horses and related breeds that results in two distinct clinical disease presentations, immune-mediated myositis (IMM) and non-exertional rhabdomyolysis. Both presentations involve muscle loss or damage and are linked to the same genetic variant.

What can cause stress on a horse immune system?

For a horse, this could be a number of factors, including trailering and traveling, showing, poor nutrition, feeding at irregular times, changes in other routines, environmental toxins, interactions within their social environment, variations in climate and illness.” Each of these potential stressors can cause unique

How do you test for IMM in horses?

Genetic testing: For Quarter Horse-related breeds, a definitive diagnosis of IMM and MYHM can now be made by genetic testing through Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of California, Davis.

Can muscle atrophy be reversed in horses?

Some techniques she mentioned included deep-heating ultrasound, electroacupuncture, electrical muscle stimulation, resistance training in water (AquaPacer treadmill), and work on hills or sloped treadmills. “We have had excellent results in regenerating atrophied muscles using physical therapy,” she added.

What are two common muscle disorders in horses?

Myopathies are diseases that primarily cause damage to muscles. They may be present at birth (congenital) or occur due to nutritional imbalances, injury, or ingestion of a poisonous substance. Myositis is an inflammatory reaction in muscle.

What helps build topline in horses?

The most critical nutrient for improving a horse’s topline is protein, and not just any protein will do. Rather, high-quality protein with the proper amino acids. Protein is made up of chains of amino acids that are the basic building blocks of muscles and other important tissues.

How do you prevent rhabdomyolysis in horses?

Prevention of further episodes of rhabdomyolysis requires a very gradual increase in the amount of daily exercise horses experience. Minimizing stress, providing regular routines and daily exercise are highly beneficial.

How common is exertional rhabdomyolysis?

Exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) is a pathologic condition caused by muscle breakdown. It is a rare condition but one that can cause significant morbidity and mortality among athletes. In the United States, there is an annual prevalence of around 12,000 cases per year.

How do you prevent exercise induced rhabdomyolysis?

What can I do to prevent rhabdo?

1. Become acclimatized to your physical activity level and the heat before working for long periods of time. Keep this in mind when returning to work from vacation or starting a new job in a different climate.
2. Stay home from work when you’re sick.
3. Stay hydrated.

What is IMM MYHM?

MYHM is an autosomal codominant genetic disorder that occurs in quarter horses and related breeds, and presents as two equine syndromes: non-exertional rhabdomyolysis or immune-mediated myositis (IMM).

Can a horse recover from EHV?

In most cases, horses exposed to EHV-1 will develop a fever and possibly nasal discharge and then go on to recover. However, the neurologic EHM strain has a high mortality rate of 30-50%. Recovery time can vary from several days to more than a year.

Can a horse survive EHV-1?

Almost all horses have been infected with EHV-1 by two years of age and have no serious clinical effects.

How can I boost my horses immune system?

An equine supplement that combines zinc, lysine and a blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega-3 essential fatty acids, can be fed to optimize health and support immunity in horses at risk of viral exposure.

How do you strengthen a horse’s immune system?

For these horses, certain nutrients can give the immune system a boost. Among well-known supporters of immunity are zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Newborn foals have no protection against disease until they absorb antibodies from the dam’s colostrum. The immune system develops as the foal grows and matures.

How do you stop a horse stressing in the stable?

Five top tips to reduce stress in a stabled horse

1. Open the doors! Increase turnout or consider alternative management practices such as track system, social living, yard system or paddock paradise.
2. Provide multiple forage points.
3. Make more social opportunities.
4. Think about stable structure.
5. Add enrichment.

What does N IMM mean in horses?

Immune-mediated myositis
Understanding the Results

Can a horse live with EIA?

Horses that survive the acute phase of infection become lifelong carriers that pose a transmission risk to other horses. EIA-positive horses must be identified and isolated (at least 200 yards) from other horses or euthanized to prevent the spread of the virus.