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PSSM2 test is now available!!

5K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  Rain Shadow 
#1 ·
I figured I'd share this with you guys on HoFo since I've been talking about PSSM2 for the last forever! :lol:

A hair test for PSSM type 2 is finally on the market. This is really exciting because PSSM type 2 has always been limited to a muscle biopsy diagnosis, and the way to differentiate between Type 2 and other muscle myopathies that are only diagnose-able via biopsy has been limited.

My own horse is negative for type 2, so we're still waiting on answers, but this test might hold the answer for other people.
As an aside, my horse got to be one of the last horses used in perfecting the test, so it feels pretty cool to have been involved in something so science-y! haha

Here's a quote from their website that describes PSSM2 [Learning Center - Health | EquiSeq ]. Basically it reads very similarly to PSSM1, despite being a completely different disease:

Horses that carry two copies of the variant (P2/P2) are more strongly affected, with an earlier age of onset (2-5 years of age) and more severe symptoms. An early symptom in P2/P2 horses is a change in temperament likely related to pain. The horse may suddenly seem reluctant to be saddled or handled in other ways, and resist having a foot raised for the farrier. Another symptom is shifting lameness: the horse appears lame in one leg, which gets better on its own, then lameness appears in another leg. Muscle wasting, especially in the hindquarters and topline, may be apparent. The horse may also show localized muscle wasting, divots that look like kick marks. Muscle wasting may produce a rippled or washboard appearance in some areas. Changes in gait are apparent. The most telling sign is at canter, where the horse may "bunny hop" by pulling both rear legs forward at once. In other gaits, the hind limbs may appear stiff with a short gait. Cross-firing (disunited canter) is also seen. "Rope walking," the placement of one foot directly in front of the other as if walking a tightrope, may appear in the rear legs or in all four.

Horses that carry one copy of the variant (n/P2) have a predisposition to develop PSSM2. Not every n/P2 horse develops symptoms. Those n/P2 horses that develop symptoms have a later age of onset (7-10 years) and milder symptoms. The symptoms are the same as those seen in P2/P2 horses. Development of symptoms in n/P2 horses may be related to other genetic variants present in that horse.

Dietary therapy (a diet supplemented with complete protein) and a specific exercise regimen may help to manage the symptoms. This is still an active area of investigation.
This particular myopathy is predominantly found in QH's and related breeds, so if you have suspicions about your horse, now you can test away! :happydance:

Buy PSSM2 Test | EquiSeq



[also, I am sharing this for knowledge-purposes only. I am in no way affiliated with EquiSeq -other than having my horse's DNA included in their testing process- and I am not getting anything in return for sharing this. I'm only sharing it because I think other horse owners could benefit! :D ]
 
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