This is some information on myopathy in kangaroos it can affect other animals as well. We should all be aware of it.
Capture myopathy is also known as exertional rhabdomyolysis or stress myopathy, and it is a condition particularly of kangaroos but
also may affect other macropodids and other species. It is a complicated disease with multiple causes which results in death in many cases.
The two main causes of capture myopathy are exertion and anxiety and these are usually as a result of the animal being stressed by a wide range of factors. Some causes include: loud noises , dog chases, gun shots and many other things. The fear of being restrained when sick or injured.
There are four types of capture myopathy: Peracute, acute, subacute and chronic,
Peracute capture myopathy can cause death in minutes due to release of potassium from damaged muscles causing heart failure.
Acute capture myopathy causes death in 24 to 48 hours and causes staggering and muscle rupture.
Subacute capture myopathy causes muscle damage and kidney damage and the animal is often lying in an awkward position. Death occurs after after a couple of days and the urine may be dark brown in colour.
Chronic capture myopathy can cause death days or even months after the event and death is sudden due to a heart attack.
Prevention is by far the best method of containing this disease. Avoidance of known and possible stress should be practised when handling all macropods. Treatment is not frequently successful due to the severity of the disease. Sedation and intravenous fluids are essential.
Kangaroos are particularly susceptible to this condition and our experience suggests that it is much more common than previously thought