MANAGING THE HORSE WITH PSSM TYPE 1
In case of an acute episode of tying-up: stop any kind of forced movement to limit further muscle damage and pain and give the horse a place where it can rest, away from possible stressors, including other horses that may want to force it to move - and call your veterinarian. Keep the horse warm while you wait for your vet to arrive, especially when temperatures are low. Your vet will most likely administer muscle relaxants and painkillers. Medication is not only important for the horse’s comfort, but also to prevent further muscle damage or additional cramping, which can cause the episode to continue or worsen. Your vet may want to take a blood sample to assess the extent of muscle damage. Please note that during an acute episode of PSSM type 1, LDH and CK values can be extremely elevated; sometimes even unmeasurably high. In these cases, the horse often clinically presents considerably better than its blood analysis would suggest. This is “normal” for a horse with PSSM type 1 and usually completely reversible with medication, time and an adjustment of the horse’s management.
In order to prevent escalation of symptoms, pain medication may also be beneficial when less severe symptoms present themselves, as horses experiencing muscle pain often compensate by altering their stance or way of moving, causing compensatory additional strain on additional muscle groups. Consult with your veterinarian if it is possible to stock pain medication (flunixin paste) so you are able to catch episodes more quickly before they worsen. As a preventative measure, it can be beneficial to administer muscle relaxants and/or pain medication before and during certain procedures, such as dentistry.
Horses with PSSM type 1 are often susceptible to cold and benefit from being blanketed during cold or otherwise adverse weather, especially when they are symptomatic.
PSSM type 1 is a genetic disease and cannot be cured, but with proper management and exercise many horses with PSSM type 1 can lead a good and active life.