My horse has a confirmed diagnosis of PSSM. He’s a pinto/ appaloosa cross with some QH in there somewhere. He does not show any of the usual signs (tying up, muscle sweating, lack of energy, etc) but he does trip. Tripping is not daily, and is not consistent on any leg.
He’s in light work 4-5 days a week, and is on a no sugar / low starch diet, and has been for the last 15 months that I have owned him.
Does anyone have any experience with this?
Sadly, I know about PSSM. 
Someone here once said it’s a lousy diagnosis and isn’t that the truth. I’m owned by a mustang that was dx’d type 2 via muscle biopsy and he arrived with several serious health problems and now we’re just down to getting him feeling his best to deal w the PSSM. My guy has never tied up either but is mostly reluctant to move and certainly under saddle. But he’s made great improvements and diet is huge. And exercise.
Is yours type 1 or 2? What I’ve found helpful is getting your diet tight. But first need to know which type.
What is your climate? They are happier with warm muscles.
And are your feet kept short toe and well trimmed? That helps.
There’s a FB group too. Quite active. 27,000 members
https://www.facebook.com/groups/202978353056065
I’ve made progress with diet and doing a consult w Claire Thunes next week (PhD in equine nutrition) to see if it can be made even better). I’d recommend you working with a quaified nutritionist who doesn’t work for a feed maker or get compensated for what you purchase…
Mine is N/PSSM1 - one copy of the PSSM1 allele detected.
We are in eastern PA. He’s on a 5 week trimming cycle and has short / rolled toes. Feet are otherwise in excellent shape.
He gets no grain, a small amount of ration balancer & Smartpak joint supplement for seniors. After a discussion with the head scientist at Kentucky Performance Products, he started on a Vitamin E regime that seems to be helping. He gets grass hay, and is turned out on a 3ish acre paddock with one other horse (about 16-17 hours a day). In the spring, he’ll have a muzzle.
Thanks for the info about the Facebook group.
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Yes, Vitamin E is important. I pulled blood to know my level and that seems to be money well spent. I feed Santa Cruz Natural E and feed 4,000/day of that plus 1,000 is in my KIS Trace Vit/Minerals.
What I recall about PSSM1 is you want higher fat (versus PSSM2 is higher protein). Are you feeding a good fat source too?
My guy is muzzled in a tiny 2.5cm hole too. Fresh grass can be a problem.
I’ve got a good podcast for you too. The Feedroom Chemist - Dr Jyme Nichols has an episode on PSSM and muscle disorders.
My PSSM 2 horse is retired. She is so severely affected about 20 minutes of exercise is all she can do. She did test negative on all genetic testing. I never did the muscle biopsy. Didn’t see any point as it won’t change our management.
She does better in the winter and struggles in our 100 degree summers. She likes to gallop out in the pasture. Short bursts of exercise are fine. Anything sustained, not so fine.
Update - my horse collapsed while being led in from the field. Apparently, something else was going on. After discussion with vet and trainer, we agreed that he is unsafe to ride. He had a fabulous day of treats and loving, and then crossed the Bridge.
Best wishes to everyone else dealing with this condition. It’s horrible.
I’m so sorry.
So sorry for your loss.
I’m sorry, too.
I’m so sorry to hear this and hope you are doing ok.
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