Prevention is Better than Cure: Atypical Myopathy

All horse owners know the risk of ragwort in their fields – and despite it being a back-breaking job, you’ll see them out in the fields pulling the weed to protect their animals. It’s a job the staff at Remus Horse Sanctuary know well! But did you know there’s another danger out there – from the humble Sycamore tree.

Seeds and seedlings from the Sycamore tree contain a toxin that can cause a potentially fatal disease called atypical myopathy, or sycamore myopathy. Most prevalent in spring and autumn, prevention is most definitely better than cure in this case.

Horses that have eaten seeds to seedlings might show signs such as lethargy, depression, muscle tremors, sweating, a reluctance to move, and red/brown urine. Should you see these signs, it is important to get immediate veterinary assistance – the first 24-48 hours will be the most critical time.

How can you lower the risk of atypical myopathy? If there are sycamore trees nearby, fence them off from your horse, or move your animal to another area at high-risk times. You can also offer more forage so the animal isn’t tempted to eat anything that poses a danger – and clear up any areas of seeds and uproot seedlings.

For more about prevention, symptoms and treatment head to Atypical Myopathy (Sycamore Myopathy) on the Dengie website.

Latest Appeal


Remus Cry for Help
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Clothes Recycling

iCollect Clothes badge

Recycle For Charity

Recycle 4 Charity badge

Give as you Live

Give as you Live sign up

Prevent Charity Fraud

Prevent Charity Fraud

Give as you Live Donate

Give as you Live Donate