Understanding Myopathy in Kangaroos: A Journey of Care and Compassion

Myopathy is a debilitating condition that kangaroos can develop, typically as a result of extreme stress, trauma, or exhaustion. It causes damage to their muscles and organs, sometimes with fatal consequences if left untreated. Myopathy can present in different forms, such as capture myopathy (caused by stress from handling or chasing) and exertional myopathy (triggered by overexertion or trauma). In this blog, I want to share what myopathy is, how it’s diagnosed and treated, as well as my personal experiences caring for kangaroos with this challenging condition.

What is Myopathy?

Myopathy is a stress-related condition that leads to muscle damage and, in severe cases, organ failure. When a kangaroo experiences extreme stress or overexertion, their body releases excess adrenaline and stress hormones, which can damage the muscles and tissues. Toxins are then released into their system as the damaged muscles break down, potentially impacting their heart, kidneys, and other organs.

How is Myopathy Diagnosed?

Diagnosing myopathy often relies on observing physical symptoms and consulting with wildlife veterinarians. Common signs include:

Muscle weakness or inability to stand.
Lethargy and listlessness.
Presence of blood in the urine (a result of muscle breakdown).
Rapid breathing or signs of distress. A confirmed diagnosis often involves a veterinary assessment based on symptoms and, if necessary, blood tests to detect the presence of toxins.

How is Myopathy Treated?

Treatment for myopathy focuses on alleviating stress, flushing toxins from the body, and supporting the affected muscles and organs. Key elements of treatment include:

Hydration: Providing fluids, either through drinking or intravenous fluids, to help flush out toxins.
Rest and Reduced Stress: Creating a calm, quiet environment is essential to prevent further stress.
Physiotherapy: Depending on the severity, physiotherapy can be introduced to help regain mobility.
Medications: These may include vitamins (e.g., Vitamin E) and, in some cases, antibiotics to address secondary issues.

Personal Encounters with Myopathy

Sammie Jo’s Recovery Journey My first encounter with myopathy was with Sammie Jo, a beloved joey who had been soft-released but still visited home frequently. One day, we suspect she was chased by a dog and got stuck in a fence. By the time I found her, she had freed herself but couldn’t stand anymore. Her little buddy led me to her, and I discovered her lying helplessly under some bushes.

Clueless but desperate to help, I carried her uphill to the house and called the vet. Based on her symptoms, the vet diagnosed myopathy, which had severely affected the muscles in her hips. For days, I cared for her around the clock, giving her bottles every hour to help flush out toxins and taking her outside to urinate. Despite the challenges, Sammie Jo loved her bottles, and her spirit kept me motivated.

Through diligent physiotherapy and care, she eventually recovered, but our backyard was too small to safely contain her, and she wasn’t yet ready to be free. We relocated her to another sanctuary where she could continue her recovery and eventually live a wild and free life.

Rosie’s Struggles Rosie’s case was different. After her first night in the pre-release enclosure, she was severely stressed when I checked on her in the morning. She was lethargic, with blood in her urine—clear signs of exertional myopathy. I brought her home immediately.

Her recovery was a long and arduous process, requiring antibiotics, Vitamin E, and constant care. This was actually the second time Rosie had developed myopathy, but unfortunately, it had affected her heart. When she moved with her buddies to Amaris, she thrived, the damage to her heart was irreversible. She lived long enough to bring two beautiful babies, Jonti and Rossie, into the world before passing away peacefully.

Ellie’s Unexpected Loss: A Journey Through Capture Myopathy

Ellie’s passing from capture myopathy was one of the hardest experiences to comprehend. She and her sister Elsie were my two heart huggers, spending their days in the bush near our property. One day, I noticed Ellie seemed uneasy, and I couldn’t shake the suspicion that she and Elsie might have been chased by the neighbor’s dog when it got loose. The bush they frequented was on the same side where the dog had been seen running free.

At the time, Elsie showed visible signs of stress from the suspected dog chase and was promptly treated. However, Ellie exhibited no outward symptoms, leading me to believe she hadn’t been affected by the incident. Her behavior appeared calm and unaffected, and I assumed she was fine.

About a month later, Ellie began showing clinical signs of distress. Her breathing became labored, and her heart rate was alarmingly fast. At the time, we believed these symptoms indicated a blockage and arranged immediate surgery to investigate and alleviate her condition. However, during the surgery, nothing abnormal appeared to explain a blockage, and no blockage was found, leaving us confused and concerned about her worsening state.

Ellie’s condition continued to deteriorate post-surgery. Blood tests revealed subacute kidney failure caused by the release of myoglobin—a toxic protein released into the bloodstream as a result of muscle breakdown, a defining characteristic of capture myopathy. This finding was devastating and led us to confront the inescapable truth: Ellie’s capture myopathy had reached an advanced stage, where recovery was no longer possible. Her organs were failing, and there was no coming back from the damage. Euthanasia was the kindest option to end her suffering.

Initially, I believed her capture myopathy must have developed after the surgery, triggered by the stress and strain of the procedure. However, further research into this complex condition revealed a different reality. Ellie’s elevated blood levels and clinical symptoms indicated that her capture myopathy had been developing quietly for weeks—likely since the suspected dog chase. In hindsight, her seemingly unaffected behavior had masked the early stages of the disease, allowing it to progress unnoticed. Kangaroos are known for their stoic nature, instinctively suppressing signs of vulnerability to avoid appearing weak to predators. Ellie’s resilience may have concealed the physiological stress accumulating within her body, until it reached a critical and irreversible point.

Capture myopathy often begins with early clinical signs such as hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), trouble breathing, and a rapid heart rate. These symptoms can advance to subacute kidney failure, caused by the release of myoglobin, and ultimately lead to organ failure. In Ellie’s case, the symptoms were misinterpreted, as we initially suspected a blockage. The surgery was not the cause of her capture myopathy; rather, it was necessitated by the complications already triggered by the condition.

Ellie’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance in wildlife care. While Elsie’s visible signs of distress allowed for timely intervention, Ellie’s stoicism masked the subtle progression of her illness. Her journey underscores the critical importance of understanding capture myopathy and recognizing both visible and hidden signs of stress in wildlife.

Her loss was a heartbreaking revelation, but it strengthened my resolve to raise awareness about capture myopathy and advocate for proactive care for wildlife. Ellie’s story inspires us to remain attentive and compassionate, ensuring that every animal receives the support it needs to thrive.

Roobee’s Story She was a tiny joey, found standing helplessly beside her mum who had been tragically hit and killed by a motor vehicle. The driver didn’t stop, leaving Roobee stranded and vulnerable on the roadside. Fortunately, passersby saw her and took her home, but despite their good intentions, the lack of proper care and treatment led to devastating consequences.

She eventually found her way to me, and it was clear she hadn’t received the critical support needed to prevent capture myopathy—a condition that results from extreme stress and physical exhaustion, causing irreparable damage to muscles, organs, and overall health. Despite every effort to save her, Roobee passed away in my arms just a few days later.

Roobee's heartbreaking story underscores our mission to provide professional, compassionate care to Australia’s native wildlife, no matter the challenges they face.

Raising Awareness and Understanding

Myopathy is a challenging and often heartbreaking condition, but with quick action and the right care, recovery is possible in some cases. Every joey has a story, and their resilience continues to inspire me. By understanding and spreading awareness about myopathy, we can ensure kangaroos receive the care they need to thrive in both captivity and the wild.

Let’s honor the memory of Sammie Jo, Rosie, Ellie, and all the other precious joeys who have fought bravely against this condition. May their stories continue to guide us in providing the best care possible. Their stories serve as a heartbreaking reminder of how sensitive wildlife can be to stress and why it’s essential to minimise disruptions to their natural behavior and habitats. At Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary, we’re committed to advocating for responsible pet ownership and educating communities about the impact domestic animals can have on native wildlife. Sammie Jo, Rosie and Ellie’s memory inspires us to continue working tirelessly for the welfare of kangaroos and all the animals in our care.

Stress myopathy and capture myopathy are two interrelated conditions that can occur in kangaroos, both arising from extreme stress or trauma. Although they share similarities, they differ in their causes, presentation, and sometimes treatment approaches. Here's a comprehensive breakdown to understand these conditions better:

1. Stress Myopathy

Definition: Stress myopathy in kangaroos occurs due to prolonged exposure to stress, whether physical, emotional, or environmental. It is a cumulative condition and may take days or weeks to develop after the stressful event.

Causes:

Being chased by predators (e.g., dogs) or humans.
Prolonged exposure to stressful environments, such as overcrowding or noise disturbances.
Physical trauma, such as entanglement in fences or injury.

Symptoms:

Lethargy and lack of coordination.
Muscle stiffness or difficulty in moving.
Weakness, particularly in the hindquarters.
Poor appetite and dehydration.
Over time, the appearance of muscle wastage or severe fatigue.

Diagnosis:

Observation of symptoms alongside knowledge of recent stressors.
Blood tests to detect increased levels of muscle breakdown products, such as creatine kinase (CK) or lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).

Treatment:

Immediate care: Create a calm and quiet environment to minimize further stress.
Hydration: Administer fluids orally or intravenously to flush out toxins released by damaged muscles.
Nutrition: Provide appropriate nutritional support, such as frequent small feeds of joey formula.
Physiotherapy: Gradual and gentle exercises can help restore muscle function.
Vitamin and Supplement Therapy: Administer vitamins like Vitamin E and Selenium to support muscle recovery.

Prognosis: Stress myopathy can often be managed successfully if identified early and treated promptly. Recovery is gradual, requiring patience and diligent care.

2. Capture Myopathy

Definition: Capture myopathy is a more acute and severe form of myopathy. It occurs due to sudden, intense stress, typically following handling, chasing, or restraint.

Causes:

Being chased or captured by humans or predators.
Rough handling or improper restraint during capture or veterinary procedures.
Physical exhaustion during a chase or attempt to escape.

Symptoms:

Rapid onset of muscle weakness or inability to stand.
Elevated heart rate and labored breathing.
Discoloration or bruising of the muscles.
Dark or blood-tinged urine caused by myoglobin release from damaged muscles.
Collapse or sudden death in severe cases due to heart or kidney failure.

Diagnosis:

Clinical history of recent capture, handling, or chase.
Blood tests showing elevated CK or LDH levels.
Observation of symptoms such as acute muscle damage and distress.

Treatment:

Emergency care: Immediate sedation or tranquilization may be necessary to reduce stress levels.
Fluids: Aggressive fluid therapy is critical to prevent kidney failure by flushing out toxins.
Nutritional Support: Frequent feeding of joey formula or appropriate supplements.
Medications: Pain management and anti-inflammatory drugs may be used under veterinary supervision.
Rest: Complete physical rest to allow damaged muscles to recover.

Prognosis: Capture myopathy is life-threatening, and despite treatment, not all animals recover. Quick intervention can improve the chances of survival, but prevention is crucial..

Preventing Myopathy

Prevention is critical, as myopathy can often be avoided with proper care:

Minimize Stress: Avoid chasing or handling kangaroos unnecessarily.
Safe Environments: Ensure enclosures are secure and stress-free.
Education: Raise awareness about the impacts of stress and trauma on kangaroos.
Dog Control: Always keep dogs locked up or on a lead to prevent chasing wildlife.

Both stress myopathy and capture myopathy are challenging conditions, but understanding their differences helps carers take effective action. Knowledge, gentle care, and proactive prevention are key to ensuring the health and well-being of our precious kangaroos.

Note from the Author This blog is the result of my personal research and conclusions drawn from my experiences in wildlife care. Capture myopathy is a complex and often misunderstood condition, and while I’ve done my best to provide accurate and insightful information, I encourage readers to explore further resources to deepen their understanding.

For those interested in learning more, here are some helpful links:

Conserving Wildlife in a Changing World: Understanding Capture Myopathy – A detailed academic article exploring the causes, effects, and prevention of capture myopathy.
The Dark Side of Conservation - Understanding Capture Myopathy – A mini-review discussing the condition in the context of wildlife conservation efforts.
Australian Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference: This conference features presentations and papers from wildlife carers, veterinarians, and researchers across Australia. You can explore past conference materials, which may include discussions on capture myopathy, here.
Observations About Myopathy in Macropodids: A detailed paper by Dr. Howard Ralph and Dr. Rosemary Austen, discussing the occurrence, recognition, and treatment of myopathy in kangaroos and other macropodids. You can access it here.
Fourth Crossing Wildlife Resources: This site offers a range of wildlife care resources, including a section on capture myopathy. You can find it here.

These resources provide valuable insights into the physiological mechanisms, clinical presentations, and preventative measures associated with capture myopathy. I hope this blog serves as a starting point for greater awareness and action to protect our precious wildlife.

Understanding Myopathy in Kangaroos