Talk:Equine polysaccharide storage myopathy

I learned of EPSM from one of the original researchers, Dr. Beth Valentine. Since then I have been feeding the added fats 'EPSM' diet, with great results. I have also advocated this feeding plan on my web site, http://www.draftresource.com/ since 1998 or so.Brad K. 03:50, 23 February 2007 (UTC)

Possible merge to ER page
I'm not sure that they're the same disease - ER is pretty common, whereas EPSM seems to be more limited in prevalance. My understanding is that EPSM is a possible cause of ER, or at least a predisposing factor; but is not the only cause (see University of Minnesota). There's a good (if early) study here.

Dlh-stablelights 20:30, 10 July 2007 (UTC)


 * I agree. The American Quarter Horse people are worried about EPSM/PSSM as there is a genetic link, and I am not sure how it interrelated with HYPP but I think there are similarities.  Given that I don't have quarter horses, nor am I a vet, you vet sorts best be the ones to figure this out.  By the way, www.theHorse.com is a motherlode of good basic articles, it's sponsored by the AAEP.  Montanabw (talk) 21:58, 10 July 2007 (UTC)


 * Thanks for clearing that up. So a merge is unnecessary, but this article could use a lot of work.  It definitely needs better sourcing, and should concentrate more on the genetics and pathology of the disease and less on the treatment.  --Joelmills 22:26, 10 July 2007 (UTC)

Important new research
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=10990

Hereditary Disorders

"Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy and Shivers in Draft and Warmblood Horses"

University of Minnesota, Stephanie J. Valberg, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM

Completed: March 2007

Description:

Shivers is a devastating disorder in draft and warmblood horses whereby horses develop muscle tremors and hyperflexion beyond normal limits of the rear limbs during shoeing, after standing still or when backing up. Many affected horses also show concurrent tail tremors. In some horses, shivers never progresses, while in others it leads to weakness, muscle atrophy and an inability to get up that may require euthanasia. The investigators are examining whether shivers is caused by another painful muscle disorder, equine polysaccharide storage myopathy (PPSM), or whether PPSM and shivers are common but separate disorders that can coexist in the same horse.

Results:

There is a high prevalence of both PSSM and shivers within the Belgian draft horse population. Researchers discovered that 36% of Belgians in the study suffered from PSSM and the same disease was found in warmblood horses. The most common signs of the disease were unexplained lameness, reluctance to engage the hindquarters, and muscle stiffness during exercise. The team also identified shivers in 20% of Belgian draft horses. This disease causes horses to have trouble backing up because their hind legs become fixed in an elevated, flexed position. Researchers learned that contrary to what was previously thought, shivers is not caused by PSSM.

- —Preceding unsigned comment added by 161.7.2.160 (talk) 20:34, 18 December 2007 (UTC)

Research sources
A new article in The Horse about PSSM/EPSM. Worth using in the article: "Genetic Mutation for Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy Widespread" by: Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc,  September 20 2008, Article # 12725 http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=12725 Others from the University of Minnesota, which can do the testing:  http://www.vdl.umn.edu/vdl/ourservices/neuromuscular.html  "Neuromuscular testing" and http://www.vdl.umn.edu/img/assets/9388/PSSM_Information.pdf  "Recent Advances for Diagnosis of Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy"  The genetic link is quite clear-cut, it appears. And it is a dominant, at least in Quarter Horses. Montanabw (talk) 03:24, 24 September 2008 (UTC)