I have been having correspondence with an individual who adopted a PMU last year and lost her in a simple routine teeth floating and trimming w/ anesthesia. She has adopted another PMU that is on Faith's ride as well. Anyway, she has been in contact w/ Beth Valentine, DVM of Oregon State University, who is the Premier Veterinarian of Draft Horse Nutrition. Because of our experience with Nellie and hers w/ Queenie did not turn out well, she had asked Dr. Valentine about this issue and has wrote a book on drafts.
Here is the reply that Dr. Valentine responded with:
When it comes to drafts, about 2/3 of them are "metabolically different" and prone to muscle issues due to equine polysaccharide storage myopathy (EPSM). Many don't show any signs of muscle problems until they are anesthetized. When they struggle to rise as they recover their muscles are too weak and often they die. I have looked at muscle enzyme levels in the blood of drafts before and after anesthesia and I can say that even those that stand up often have serious muscle issues and it is a miracle they stood.
The heartbreak of losing a horse to EPSM for minor surgery, foaling, etc. is one of the reasons I recommend feeding all draft related horses a high fat and fiber and low starch and sugar diet to try to prevent this. We've known for years that drafts had more issues with anesthesia than light horses, and now we finally know why.
I found this to be very very interesting and wanted to share. Sheila has ordered a copy of Dr. Valentine's book for the ranch and one we feel will educate us and which we will be able to share w/ Dr. Hadland and Rob.
Stephanie
