Current status of myopathies affecting athletic horses

Abstract

Muscular disorders rank among the most prevalent problems of horses competing in a broad variety of athletic disciplines, including track racing, dressage, endurance racing and Western riding disciplines. As described in this review, active scientific investigation is continuing to elucidate the different mechanisms underlying specific muscular disorders in horses, and is discovering and defining new disorders, and new methods of diagnosis, treatment and management. The flourishing field of equine rehabilitation and regenerative medicine is also driving the progressive application of a variety of modalities to the treatment and management of musculoskeletal conditions in horses. However, it is essential that this be accompanied by appropriate scientific investigation to verify the efficacy of recommended modalities and treatment protocols.