White muscle disease

White Muscle Disease

White Muscle Disease in a calf

White Muscle Disease (WMD), also known as Nutritional Myodegeneration, is a degenerative muscle disease found in all large animals, but most commonly in sheep and cattle. It is caused by a deficiency in selenium or vitamin E, both of which are essential for normal muscle function.

Etiology[edit | edit source]

White Muscle Disease is caused by a deficiency in selenium or vitamin E. These nutrients are essential for the normal function of muscle cells. Without them, the cells can become damaged and die, leading to the symptoms of WMD.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of White Muscle Disease can vary depending on the severity of the deficiency. In mild cases, animals may show signs of stiffness, weakness, and difficulty moving. In severe cases, animals may be unable to stand or move at all. Other symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, rapid breathing, and heart problems.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of White Muscle Disease is typically based on the animal's symptoms and history, as well as blood tests to measure levels of selenium and vitamin E. In some cases, a muscle biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for White Muscle Disease involves supplementing the animal's diet with selenium and vitamin E. In severe cases, injections of these nutrients may be necessary. With prompt treatment, most animals recover fully.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention of White Muscle Disease involves ensuring that animals have a balanced diet that includes adequate amounts of selenium and vitamin E. This can be achieved through the use of supplements or by feeding animals a diet that is naturally high in these nutrients.