Nutritional Management Plan of Muscle Myopathies in Horses

Written by Briony Witherow MSc RNutr. FHEA

Nutritional Management Plan of Muscle Myopathies in Horses

1. Preventative Management

Dietary Management

• Forage Selection:
• Choose mature hay or haylage with low non-structural carbohydrates (NSC <12%).
• Soak hay if needed to reduce sugar content.
• Restrict grass intake during high-growth periods (spring/autumn).
• Balancing the Diet:
• Ensure a fully balanced diet with essential vitamins and minerals.
• Provide 30-50g of salt per day; consider an electrolyte supplement if the horse sweats regularly.
• Energy Sources:
• Keep starch and sugar intake below 10% combined.
• Use fat-based energy sources (e.g., vegetable oil) instead of cereal-based feeds.
• Consider products like No Ties, Electrolytes and antioxidants (Premier E) to reduce oxidative stress.
• Protein (Amino Acids):
• Include branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) to reduce muscle damage and fatigue.
• BCAA Powder or Paste (L-Leucine, L-Valine, L-Isoleucine) aids in recovery and endurance.
• Consider the addition of L-Carnitine to help reduce muscle damage and fatigue.
• Ensure adequate lysine and total protein intake.
• Antioxidants & Vitamin E:
• Supplement Vitamin E and selenium to reduce muscle damage.
• Horses with muscle myopathies may require twice the standard recommended antioxidants.

2. Exercise & Management

• Consistent, Low-Intensity Exercise:
• Regular movement helps prevent glycogen accumulation in muscle cells.
• Avoid complete box rest—continue turnout and light work on rest days.
• Warm-Up & Cool-Down:
• Gradual warm-up reduces muscle stiffness.
• Essential cool-down to prevent post-exercise tying-up.
• Stress Reduction:
• Avoid long periods of confinement.
• Promote movement with multiple forage stations and slow feeders.

3. Reactive Management (Managing an Episode)

Immediate Response:

• Stop Exercise:
• Do not force movement.
• Hydration & Electrolytes:
• Consider the use of electrolytes and ensure water consumption to address any dehydration.
• Provide No Ties to restore balance.
• Cool Down & Comfort:
• Move to a shaded, well-ventilated area.
• Veterinary Support:
• Seek professional advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

Post-Episode Recovery:

• BCAA Supplementation:
• Helps repair muscle damage and reduce future episodes.
• BCAA Paste  is ideal for short-term recovery post-episode.
• Muscle Builder for Rehabilitation:
• Supports muscle regeneration, containing leucine (BCAA) and HMB to increase muscle mass and reduce breakdown.
• Controlled Return to Work:
• Gradually reintroduce low-intensity, frequent exercise after an episode.

Conclusion

By combining preventative nutrition, exercise, and management strategies, along with reactive supplementation and recovery protocols, horses with PSSM or other myopathies can maintain optimal muscle health and reduce the risk of tying-up episodes.