Question

While I await the results of lab tests, I have begun looking at feeds suitable for a horse that I suspect has PSSM2. He has experienced muscle sensitivity and exercise intolerance, but I have not seen any overt signs of tying-up, like sudden reluctance to move or discolored urine. Will Re-Leve be beneficial to him?

Answer

I would recommend reviewing the Myopathy Decision Tree that Kentucky Equine Research has created to help guide horse owners and veterinarians in the nutritional management of horses with different myopathies. You may also want to review the article Muscle Problems in Equine Athletes: Making the Most of Nutrition and the technical bulletin Nutritional Considerations for Horses with Myopathies prior to making changes in feeding management.

If there is a significant chance that your horse has myofibrillar myopathy (MFM), then Re-Leve would not be an appropriate choice. If he is not of Warmblood or Arabian descent—those horses most likely to be affected by MFM—then you could try Re-Leve to see if there is improvement while waiting for genetic and muscle biopsy results, especially if he is a stock-type horse.

Regardless of feed choice, I would recommend the addition of 3,000-5,000 IU of natural-source vitamin E daily to his diet to provide antioxidant protection. The most bioavailable vitamin E product is Nano-E.

For a thorough analysis of your horse’s current diet and recommendations for an appropriate ration and feeding management, please submit a ration evaluation request and a nutrition advisor will assist you. Of course, having the diagnostic test results back first would be beneficial.