How serious is PSSM in horses?

This is a serious situation, as it can damage the horse's kidneys if they become dehydrated. Very young foals with PSSM occasionally show signs of severe muscle pain and weakness. This occurs more often if they have a simultaneous infection such as pneumonia or diarrhea.

Can you still ride a horse with PSSM?

Once conditioned, some PSSM1 horses thrive with 4 days of exercise as long as they receive daily turn out. For riding horses with type 2 PSSM1, a prolonged warm-up with adequate stretching is recommended.

Is PSSM treatable?

There is no cure for PSSM, but most affected horses can be managed successfully through diet and exercise.

How do you manage horses with PSSM?

You can manage PSSM in your horse by providing an alternate energy source to sugar. Avoid feeding grains, sweet feeds and other feedstuffs high in sugar. Fat can be a great alternative. Rice bran or vegetable oils can stabilize blood sugar and provide energy.

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).

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 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 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.

What is the best feed for PSSM horses?

Many PSSM horses tend to be easy keepers, making high-fat diets hard to feed without resulting in obesity. For horses with high calorie requirements that need higher fat, Purina® Ultium® Competition horse feed has been helpful in managing many PSSM horses.

What should you feed a horse with PSSM?

Many PSSM horses tend to be easy keepers, making high-fat diets hard to feed without resulting in obesity. For horses with high calorie requirements that need higher fat, Purina® Ultium® Competition horse feed has been helpful in managing many PSSM horses.

What is the best feed for a horse with PSSM?

Many PSSM horses tend to be easy keepers, making high-fat diets hard to feed without resulting in obesity. For horses with high calorie requirements that need higher fat, Purina® Ultium® Competition horse feed has been helpful in managing many PSSM horses.

What does a horse with PSSM look like?

The clinical signs of a PSSM episode are typically associated with tying-up. These signs are most commonly muscle stiffness, sweating, and reluctance to move. The signs are most often seen in horses when they are put into initial training or after a lay-up period when they receive little active exercise.