title: Three cases of a presumptive atypical myopathy in New Zealand horses.
abstract: METHODS
  Three weanling Thoroughbred fillies were presented during autumn with depression, muscle rigidity and, in one case, colic symptoms and cardiovascular shock.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All fillies had abnormal physical examinations that included elevated heart rates and respiratory rates coupled with muscle rigidity through the back and rump. Biochemistry revealed markedly elevated creatinine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase which indicated a myopathy.
  
  
  METHODS
  All three horses were diagnosed with presumptive equine atypical myopathy. The horses received supportive therapy as per the literature available at the time regarding this condition; two responded to supportive therapy and survived, and one was euthanased due to a rapid deterioration in clinical status.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Following post mortem of one case, histology of the trapezius muscle demonstrated an acute, severe myofibre degeneration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Atypical myopathy and a very similar disorder termed seasonal pasture myopathy in North America are potentially fatal, pasture-related syndromes that have been described in Europe and America but have not been previously described in New Zealand. This report describes three presumptive cases of this unique syndrome in New Zealand for the first time; it outlines the characteristics of the condition; and includes recently published information regarding diagnosis and treatment.
authors.affiliation: a Matamata Veterinary Services , 362 Hinuera Road, Matamata 3472 , New Zealand.
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: McKenzie
authors.forename: I R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ritmeester
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006736:Horses; D012206:Rhabdomyolysis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents