Nutritional muscular dystrophy

Similarly, if the forage is of low quality or is not stored properly it may be deficient in vitamin E.[1] If an animal consumes this type of diet without additional supplementation they become susceptible to this disease.

Clinical laboratory changes include evidence of rhabdomyolysis (elevated CK and AST, myoglobinuria) and low blood selenium levels.

[6] Horses may also develop a more chronic delayed form of the disease called Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (NAD) or Equine Degenerative Myeloencephalopathy (EDM).

This disease process is heritable in certain breed bloodlines, such as Quarter Horse, Appaloosa, Morgan, Lusitano, and Arabian.

It is hypothesized that horses develop this disease continuum because they have a defect in the uptake or utilization of Vitamin E and therefore have a higher baseline requirement.

[10] Progressive paralysis occurs, which is evident through the following symptoms: arched back, difficulty moving and an open shouldered stance.

In areas, such as Ontario, where lambs are highly susceptible to the condition, management practices should include vitamin E/selenium injections.