- Definition
- Pathophysiology
- Systems Affected
- Genetics
- Incidence/Prevalence
- Signalment
- Signs
- Causes
- Risk Factors
BASICS
- A rare metabolic condition resulting from hypocalcemia in heavily lactating mares.
- Clinical signs are progressive and include muscle fasciculations; stiff, stilted gait; tachycardia with dysrhythmias
- Loss of calcium in the milk, mainly in heavily milking mares kept on lush pasture.
- Also in well-muscled mares that are working while lactating, in lactating mares that are transported over long distances, or in mares 1–2 days post weaning
- See Pathophysiology.
- Draft mares.
- No age predisposition.
- Unlikely occurrence in primiparous mares
- Related to the level of serum calcium.
- May include:
- Muscle fasciculations of the temporal, masseter, and triceps muscles.
- Generalized increased muscle tone; stiff, stilted gait; rear limb ataxia.
- Trismus; dysphagia; salivation.
- Profuse sweating; elevated rectal temperature; anxiety; tachycardia with dysrhythmias.
- Synchronous diaphragmatic flutter, convulsions, coma, and death.
- If untreated, the condition is progressive over a 24–48 h period.
- Increased excitability with calcium levels that are below normal (normal range 11–13 mg/dL) but >8 mg/dL.
- Calcium levels of 5–8 mg/dL usually produce signs of tetanic spasms and incoordination.
- Serum calcium levels <5 mg/dL—often become stuporous and are recumbent
Lactation, postpartum, heavier milking mares, exercise, transport, weaning or other stressful events.
DIAGNOSIS
TREATMENT
MEDICATIONS
FOLLOW-UP
MISCELLANEOUS