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Capture myopathy in pronghorns in Alberta, Canada
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|November 1, 1977
Summary
Capture myopathy (CM) caused pronghorn deaths after trapping and transport. Muscle damage and elevated serum enzymes indicate significant physiological stress from capture procedures in these wild animals.
Area of Science:
- Wildlife Biology
- Veterinary Pathology
- Animal Physiology
Background:
- Capture myopathy (CM) is a significant concern in wildlife management.
- Pronghorns (Antilocapra americana) are susceptible to capture-related stress and injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of capture myopathy in pronghorns following capture and transport.
- To identify clinical and pathological indicators of CM in pronghorns.
Main Methods:
- Drive trapping of 594 pronghorns (Antilocapra americana) between 1971-1975.
- Transport of 74 pronghorns to enclosures.
- Clinical examination, necropsy, histopathology, and serum biochemistry analysis.
Main Results:
- 20 deaths attributed to CM in trapped pronghorns; 17 deaths in trapped and transported pronghorns.
- Neonatal pronghorns pursued also exhibited CM-like signs.
- Clinical signs included depression, weakness, incoordination, and paralysis; myoglobinuria in one neonate.
- Lesions primarily affected hindlimb muscles; elevated serum enzymes (creatinine, glucose, potassium) indicated organ damage.
Conclusions:
- Capture myopathy poses a substantial mortality risk for pronghorns.
- Capture and transport procedures induce significant physiological stress, leading to muscle and organ damage.
- Further research into minimizing capture-related stress in pronghorns is warranted.