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Polysaccharide storage myopathy in Cob Normand draft horses
T Larcher1, B Herszberg, S Molon-Noblot
1Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 703, Ecole Nationale Veterinaire, Nantes, France.
Veterinary Pathology
|April 22, 2008
Summary
Polysaccharide storage myopathy affects Cob Normand horses, with 38% showing abnormal muscle fibers. Affected fibers were larger, and some horses developed chronic myopathic changes over time.
Area of Science:
- Equine Medicine
- Veterinary Pathology
- Muscle Histology
Background:
- Polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) is a metabolic disorder affecting skeletal muscle.
- Histologic evaluation is crucial for diagnosing myopathies in horses.
- Cob Normand horses are a specific breed with potential predispositions to certain conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and histologic characteristics of polysaccharide storage myopathy in Cob Normand horses.
- To differentiate between forms of the myopathy based on fiber involvement and clinical signs.
- To assess the progression of the condition over time through re-biopsy.
Main Methods:
- Histologic examination of gluteus medius muscle biopsies from 53 Cob Normand horses.
- Quantitative analysis of fiber diameter and percentage of fibers containing amylase-resistant material (aggregates).
- Ultrastructural evaluation and re-biopsy in select cases.
Main Results:
- 38% of horses exhibited amylase-resistant material consistent with PSSM.
- Affected type II fibers showed increased diameter compared to normal fibers.
- Two groups were identified: one with minimal changes and another with significant myopathic changes and higher aggregate percentages.
- Re-biopsy indicated progression in some horses, particularly in the group with initially minimal changes.
- Aggregates were observed in various muscles, including smooth muscle, in one necropsied case.
Conclusions:
- Polysaccharide storage myopathy is prevalent in Cob Normand horses, with varying degrees of severity.
- The presence and distribution of aggregates, along with myopathic changes, help characterize different forms of the disease.
- The condition may progress over time, highlighting the importance of monitoring and further research into PSSM in this breed.
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