Myofascitis

Myofascitis

Basic Information

Definition

Myofascitis (MF) is a sporadic fatal inflammatory disease affecting skeletal and cardiac muscle in young ferrets. The cause of this condition is currently unknown, but the disease has a mortality rate of 100%.

Synonyms

Because the condition is disseminated, and muscle is the predominant target tissue of the inflammatory process, the terms polymyositis and disseminated idiopathic myositis have also been used for this condition. However, inflammation may be seen in the fascia around muscle bundles and in adjacent adipose tissue of some animals, so MF seems a more appropriate morphologic term.

Epidemiology

Species, Age, Sex

MF generally affects animals younger than 2 years of age. There is no sex predilection.

Contagion and Zoonosis

The disease is sporadic and is not believed to be contagious. There is no apparent zoonotic potential.

Clinical Presentation

History, Chief Complaint

• Affected animals are usually between 3 and 21 months of age with an acute history of anorexia, lethargy, weakness, and occasionally hyperesthesia, especially over the hind limbs.

• All ferrets reported to date with MF had received at least one vaccination for canine distemper.

Physical Exam Findings

• High fever (up to 106°F [41°C])

• Mild dehydration

• Painful, swollen lymph nodes

• Hyperesthesia of limbs, primarily hind limbs

• Muscle wasting

• Splenomegaly

Etiology and Pathophysiology

• The cause of this condition is currently unknown.

• Profound infiltration of neutrophils is seen in target organs—esophagus, heart, skeletal muscle, and occasionally lymph nodes.

• Based on histologic findings, bacterial and immune-mediated causes have been proposed but not proven.

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Tags: Clinical Veterinary Advisor Birds and Exotic Pets

Jul 28, 2016 | Posted by admin in EXOTIC, WILD, ZOO | Comments Off

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