What is PSSM1 in a horse?

Polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM1) is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of the normal form of sugar stored in muscle (glycogen) as well as an abnormal form of sugar (amylase-resistant polysaccharide) in muscle tissue. By definition horses with PSSM1 have a distinctive genetic mutation in the gene.

How do you treat a horse in PSSM?

Horses must exercise daily to maximize the muscles’ ability to burn glycogen. Affected horses are often easy keepers and management through a low-NSC grass hay and a good-quality ration balancer is usually sufficient. If additional calories are needed, a low-NSC and/or high fat feed source should be incorporated.

What are signs of PSSM in horses?

PSSM is a disorder that causes muscle cramping in horses from abnormal glycogen (sugar) storage in the muscles. Sore muscles, muscle weakness and cramping are all signs of PSSM. Type 1 PSSM is caused by a mutation in the GYS1 gene.

What is the difference between PSSM1 and PSSM2?

For clarity, the form of PSSM caused by a glycogen synthase 1 (GYS1) gene mutation is now termed type 1(PSSM1) whereas the form or forms of PSSM that are not caused by the GYS1 mutation and whose origin is yet unknown are now termed type 2 (PSSM2).

What do you feed horses in PSSM1?

These low-starch feeds should be fed with good-quality grass hay or a maximum of 50 percent alfalfa hay. Regular turnout for as much time as possible is critical to successful management of PSSM horses. They do not do well confined to stalls or missing days of exercise.

What do you feed a PSSM horse?

Forage and feed choices for PSSM horses are centered on minimizing sugar and starch intake. Forage requirements. Forage can be supplied as pasture, hay, or hay alternatives such as pellets or cubes. Well-maintained pastures should contain low-sugar grasses and few legumes (clover, alfalfa or lucerne).

What is MFM horse?

Myofibrillar Myopathy (MFM) is a form of exercise intolerance. The clinical signs manifesting during or after exercise resemble other types of exertional rhabdomyolysis. During an episode, horses are reluctant to move, experience pain, stiffness, and tremors, and sweat profusely.

Can PSSM horses have grass?

Horse diet modifications For horses with high calorie requirements that need higher fat, Purina® Ultium® Competition horse feed has been helpful in managing many PSSM horses. These low-starch feeds should be fed with good-quality grass hay or a maximum of 50 percent alfalfa hay.