Capture Myopathy

Capture myopathy (CM) is a non-infectious disease of wild and domestic animals in which muscle damage results from extreme exertion or stress. CM often occurs as a result of chemical immobilization, capture, or transport, but can also be the result of other natural causes of stress. Deer and other ungulates are known to be particularly susceptible to this condition. Although CM can occur naturally in situations in which an animal is attempting to escape from a predator, it is most commonly caused by human activities. Animals have evolved natural abilities to escape from predators, but struggling for prolonged periods against human restraint presents different physiological challenges that animals are often not equipped to handle. Capture myopathy occurs when animals overexert themselves, such as when struggling to free themselves from a trap, resulting in severe muscle damage. Hotter temperatures and repeated chemical immobilization increase the risk of animals suffering from CM.

Symptoms of capture myopathy vary depending on the species and the cause of exertion, including the method of capture and restraint. Capture myopathy may result in sudden death, or signs may develop hours, days, or even up to two months following capture. Early symptoms include increased respiratory rate, heart rate, and body temperature. Body temperature increases during exertion and higher temperatures are often associated with death due to CM. Other signs include depression, lack of response, loss of coordination, weakness, muscle stiffness, tremors, muscle paralysis, shock, and death.

References:

PennVet Wild Futures Team, 2020. Capture Myopathy. Accessed at https://www.vet.upenn.edu/research/centers-laboratories/research-initiatives/wildlife-futures-program/resources/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-detail/capture-myopathy#:~:text=Capture%20myopathy%20(CM)%20is%20a,other%20natural%20causes%20of%20stress.