Equine myopathy (PSSM2) is a collective term for a number of related muscle disorders with similar clinical symptoms. Typical symptoms include reluctance to move, intermittent lameness, stiffness, and in daily practice it can manifest as exercise intolerance. Symptoms are generally adult-onset, usually after 7-10 years of age (depending on breed and environment); mild symptoms may be obvious at a younger age or after a stressful event (injury, operation, infection, move) leading to negative nitrogen balance.
DNA tests are now available for six variants associated with horses developing symptoms of PSSM2.
Sample
- 30 to 40 hair roots
- 5 mL of blood in K3 EDTA tube
Turnaround time
- 10 to 15 working days
Why test?
→ Exercise intolerance due to muscle wasting, stiffness, and pain.
Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM) is the name of a group of hereditary muscle diseases with similar symptoms. The variants categorized under the umbrella term PSSM2 (P2, P3, P4, Px, P8, K1) lead to exercise intolerance due to muscle wasting, stiffness, and pain.
PSSM2 is not curable and can greatly impact a horse’s quality of life. An accurate diagnosis allows owners to optimize feeding and handling/exercise regimens to support the health of their horses.