PSSM in Horses

Equine polysaccharide storage myopathy or PSSM is a muscle disease in horses. It is most commonly associated with heavy horse breeds like Draft Horses, Warmbloods, and the American Quarter Horse. Two forms have now been identified: Type 1, which is caused by a genetic mutation. As well as Type 2, the cause of which has yet to be determined. PSSM is related to “tying up”, but “tying up” can have many causes. PSSM while incurable can be managed with appropriate diet and exercise The muscles of a horse with PSSM are unable to properly store glucose (sugar). Therefore it is unavailable when needed for energy. In normal tissue insulin drives glucose from the blood into muscle and liver cells to be stored as glycogen and later used as energy. Polysaccharide storage myopathy is a glycogen storage disorder and is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of the normal form of sugar stored in muscle (glycogen) as well as an abnormal form of sugar (polysaccharide) in muscle tissue. Muscle glycogen concentrations in affected horses are up to four times greater than in normal horses.

Symptoms:

1. Muscle stiffness
2. Sweating
3. Reluctant to move
4. Muscle contractions
5. Tucked up abdomen
6. Poor attitude
7. Chronic back pain

Episodes usually begin after very light exercise such as 10-20 minutes of walking and trotting. Horses with PSSM can exhibit symptoms without exercise. Though the clinical signs of the disease are difficult to miss, blood or hair samples can be used to test for PSSM, MH, and other genetic diseases of horses. Muscle biopsies might be needed to definitively diagnose a problem

Management:

Feeds that are high in starch, such as sweet feed, maize, wheat, oats, barley, and molasses, appear to facilitate the development of Type 1 and Type 2 PSSM. That is why these ingredients should be avoided for horses that have PSSM. Extra calories can be provided in the form of fat (oil) for performance horses that are prone to PSSM. An important part of the management of PSSM horses is daily exercise. This enhances glucose utilization and improves energy metabolism in skeletal muscle. As a result, for many horses affected by PSSM1, strict control of diet and exercise can reduce, or even prevent the onset of symptoms related to PSSM1. Eliminating many high sugary foods in their diet and consistent exercise are two simple ways to help prevent the disease from developing. Benefab® products help tremendously in treating muscle stiffness and joint soreness, but also help to prevent soreness, which is the Rejuvenate SmartScrim. It features 90 magnets (1100 gauss) over key acupuncture points for stimulation of those areas. In ancient (and current) Chinese medicine, acupuncture is performed by using one’s own blood to re-inject over targeted acupuncture points. The reasoning for this method is because the body takes quite some time to re-absorb its own blood after being placed in targeted areas. Therefore, prolonging the benefits. We have selected these magnets to serve to the affect by pulling the blood to those targeted areas which will continually stimulate those areas during and after the SmartScrim is worn. Each magnet is enclosed in a soft cushion for enhanced comfort. Sheet harmonizes bodily functions safely and naturally, stimulating recovery time, promoting blood circulation, increasing oxygen flow, and ultimately reducing pain and stiffness.