ABOUT
.Welsh Equine MIM Data has been set up, by breeders of Welsh ponies & cobs and their partbreds for both breeders and buyers alike to make informed choices on the animals they decide to breed and buy.
Both PSSM1 & MIM are crippling genetic diseases that can both easily be bred out of the gene pool. By using our database, you will be able to find both positive and negative tested registered welsh ponies, cobs, and their partbreds.
What is PSSM1& MIM?
PSSM1
PSSM1 is a glycogen storage issue. A genetic mutation in the glycogen synthase 1 (GYS1)
It is a hereditatory disease passed genetically.
Enviroment, exercise and diet can help improve management.
For a detailed video description, please click on the photo above.
Video courtesy of PSSM & MFM Awareness.
MIM
MIM is a deformation in the muscle makeup and its fibres. The cause is still unknown.
This also results in abnormal glycogen storage in the muscle.
Environment, exercise and diet can help improve management.
For a detailed video on MIM, please click on the photo above.
Video courtesy of Pssm & MFM Awareness.
HOW TO TEST
PSSM1 Test labs
MIM Test labs
PSSM1 & MIM have been around for many years, only now is it coming to light through awareness and as we ask our horses for more, changes in feeds( more fillers/sugar and starch ), environmental factors and certain grass types especially in the UK don’t help these horses and symptoms are being seen more and more but they can be more subtle.
It has been recognized that with PSSM type 1 horses especially show more symptoms once they reach maturity 5 – 10 or when their workload increases yet they can be out to pasture and show no symptoms at all.
Some stallions may never show symptoms and the theory behind that is the testosterone as once gelded it has been noted that they start showing symptoms. Every PSSM horse is different and some are more affected than others.
MIM horses can show symptoms at any stage in their life, some as early as at birth and then others 10+ there is no time scale on this and they may start to show exercise intolerance.
PSSM Type 1 and MIM/ plus variants are two totally different types both requiring different management. It is possible for them to be managed, have a career like any other horse but requires strict management with exercise, diet, and supplementation.
Symptoms can present in many different ways. If you see any of these symptoms or all areas have been investigated and you still have no answers then it’s definitely worth testing for PSSM & MIM. See PSSM & MIM symptoms below:
PSSM & MIM SYMPTOMS
• Tying up
• Muscle spasms
• Camped out ( like needing to wee )
• Canter issues ( disuniting, leg changes, unable to canter at all, struggling to maintain)
• Explosive behaviour
• Lethargic
• Dark urine
• Tense muscles
• Divots
• Unexplained muscle wastage
• Itching
• Stiffness
• Gait abnormalities
• Colic symptoms
• Laminitis symptoms
• Laziness
• Sticky stifles
• Rope walking
• Head shaking
• Reactive to season/weather
• Heavy breathing
• Unable to work correctly, evading contact
• Struggling to hold legs up for the farrier
How To Test For MIM
There are three ways of testing for MIM.
Biopsy - It can be done through a biopsy performed by your vet, this can tell you if the horse has MIM or an unknown myopathy. It has been noted that It depends on how effected the horse is for a positive result from biopsy and it also depends on the age of the horse. A biopsy can not tell you variants.
Blood tests can be done to check for raised enzymes ( CK & AST ) which may be an indication of PSSM1 & MIM but they are not always reliable with MIM horses as they can drop quickly or not raise at all. Again it depends on how affected they are.
The hair strand is the less invasive way to test for PSSM1 & MIM, or both. The vet or owner can do this test. It's very simple. To test this way you pull 40 hair strands, a couple at a time ensuring the root/bulb is attached to the end of the strand. It’s easier when the horse is warm and the hair must be dry. You can use either mane or tail for the sample.
The results on this database relate solely to the animal tested and indicate the presence of genetic markers rather than a diagnosis of PSSM1 & MIM.
No inference should be made to any other animal listed in the pedigree unless that animal itself has been tested.