EquineReview

Within the UK, differences in case numbers of atypical myopathy (AM) and survival rates are present in different locations. Dunkel et al (Equine Vet Ed 2020; 32(2):90-95) hypothesized that admission serum creatine kinase (CK) activity and glucose, lactate and triglyceride concentrations were significantly associated with outcome in hospitalised horses with AM. Clinicopathological data are described. Medical records from three referral hospitals over 6 years were examined; data from 64 horses were collected. Blood glucose, lactate and triglyceride concentrations were increased in 76%, 89% and 92% of horses on admission, respectively. Survival was 44%. Increasing CK activities and triglyceride concentrations, but not aspartate aminotransferase activities during hospitalisation, were associated with outcome. No treatments apart from sedation were associated with outcome. In this study, presence or absence of increased recumbency, colic signs or bladder distension were not associated with survival. It was considered unlikely that any single predictive indicator or combination of predictive factors is 100% accurate. The authors concluded that decisions should be based on case progression in combination with individual circumstances. This study suggests that the mortality rate in hospitalised horses suffering from AM could be better than previously reported. Admission serum CK activity could be of prognostic value.