How do you test for PSSM?

Muscle Biopsy: PSSM can be diagnosed based on microscopic evaluation of a muscle biopsy in horses over two years-of-age, however, a definitive diagnosis of the type 1 form of PSSM requires genetic testing. The sample is taken from the semimembranosus muscle, which is part of the rear limb hamstring muscles.

What age does PSSM show up in horses?

Some horses with type 1 PSSM are asymptomatic, but most horses with the genetic defect will begin to show signs of PSSM by six years of age. Valberg cautioned that the signs of PSSM can begin as early as one year of age and as late as the mid-teens.

How much does a PSSM test cost?

Submit a Sample for Testing:

Then follow the sample collection and submission instructions. Cost per sample is $40.00.

What are the symptoms of PSSM?

Clinical signs of PSSM range from mild to severe. They include sweating, lameness, sore muscles, undiagnosed lameness, poor performance, and muscle tremors (“tying up”). These may occur with or without exercise. Under saddle, affected horses may be reluctant to go forward or collect.

What breeds are affected by PSSM?

About 80% of cases of PSSM diagnosed by biopsy in Warmbloods are PSSM2. Breeds affected include Dutch Warmbloods, Swedish Warmbloods, Hanoverians, Friesians, Selle Francais, Westphalian, Canadian Warmblood, Irish Sport Horse, Gerdlander, Husien, Icelandic horses and many more.

Can horses with PSSM eat grass?

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).

Can you test for PSSM in horses?

You can test your horse for PSSM 1 through the University of Minnesota's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Here they can perform DNA blood or hair tests. Muscle biopsies are required to test for PSSM 2. You should consider a muscle biopsy for horses with muscle pain if they test negative for PSSM 1.

What horses are prone to PSSM?

Polysaccharide storage myopathy or PSSM is a muscle disease that occurs primarily in horses with Quarter Horse bloodlines such as Quarter Horses, Paint Horses, and Appaloosas. PSSM also occurs in other breeds including Drafts, Draft crossbreeds, and Warmbloods.

How do you stop PSSM?

1) Provide a low starch and sugar diet

Horses with PSSM are highly insulin sensitive and have greater glucose uptake into muscle than other horses. Providing a diet that is low in starch and sugar will limit insulin release and stimulation of glycogen synthesis.

Is alfalfa good for PSSM horses?

In contrast to what many people believe, alfalfa is actually a good hay for the PSSM horse because its NSC content is typically much lower than most grass hays.

What are 3 things horses should not eat?

Here are eight foods you should never feed your horse:

• Chocolate. ©russellstreet/Flickr CC. …
• Persimmons. …
• Avocado. …
• Lawn clippings. …
• Pitted fruits. …
• Bread. …
• Potatoes and other nightshades. …
• Yogurt or other milk products.

Is there a blood test for PSSM?

You can test your horse for PSSM 1 through the University of Minnesota's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Here they can perform DNA blood or hair tests. Muscle biopsies are required to test for PSSM 2. You should consider a muscle biopsy for horses with muscle pain if they test negative for PSSM 1.

What hay is best for PSSM horses?

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.

What fruit is poisonous to horses?

Some fruits – such as apples and apricots – have pits or seeds which contain cyanide compounds, which are toxic in extremely large quantities. Large pits can cause choke, so it's best to remove them before offering your horse fruit such as peaches or nectarines.

What food do horses hate?

There are certain foods which you should certainly never feed to your horse.

• Chocolate. …
• Persimmons. …
• Avocado. …
• Lawn Clippings. …
• Fruit with Pips and Stones. …
• Bread. …
• Potatoes and Other Nightshades. …
• Yogurt and Other Dairy Products.

Can horses with PSSM have alfalfa?

In contrast to what many people believe, alfalfa is actually a good hay for the PSSM horse because its NSC content is typically much lower than most grass hays.

What vegetables should horses not eat?

Cauliflower, Cabbage, Broccoli

If your horse consumes any of these three things in excess, then it can lead to very bad gas and colic problems that could hurt them. Better to avoid these three vegetables!