Hayley Hunt
Doctor of Philosophy, (Vet Science)
Study Completed: 2018
College of Sciences
Citation
Thesis Title
Epidemiological, pathological and metabolomic characterisation an unexplained myopathy of dogs in New Zealand
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
Go Slow' myopathy is a muscle disease in dogs that was first reported in Northland in the 1990's. Affected dogs usually present with trembling, weakness, and collapse, followed by prolonged periods of exercise intolerance. Mrs Hunt investigated 86 cases of 'Go Slow' myopathy to better understand the disease and identify possible causes. She found that the disease is associated with the consumption of wild pigs by dogs, including meat that had been previously frozen or cooked. Muscle damage in affected dogs is due to structural and functional changes in mitochondria, which are responsible for energy production in cells. 'Go Slow' myopathy is most consistent with a toxic muscle disease, and several compounds of interest were identified for further investigation. The results of this research aid in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of cases, and suggest that dog owners should avoid feeding wild pork in areas where the disease occurs.
Supervisors
Professor Wendi Roe
Dr Karl Fraser
Associate Professor Nick Cave
Professor Brett Gartrell