Scared to death is not just an idiomatic phrase. Wildlife (and cattle!) can suffer from a condition called capture myopathy, which affects their muscles, kidneys, and the heart and causes significant damage that is often fatal...


Capture Myopathy is a stress-induced muscle disease that affects wild (and sometimes domestic) animals—primarily caused by stress, from extreme exertion or struggle during roundup or capture, which usually results from incorrect handling. The prognosis is generally poor, especially once clinical signs appear, with death being a common outcome, particularly in acute cases.

What it is: Capture myopathy is a non-infectious disease caused by muscle damage from intense physical stress. It's often associated with chemical immobilization, capture, or transport, but can also result from other stressors like struggling with predators.

Species Affected: While it can affect any animal, ungulates (hooved mammals) and birds are particularly susceptible. It's been observed in deer, bison, elk, pronghorn, and even some bird and fish species.

Clinical Signs: Symptoms can range from acute (death) to chronic (debilitation). Early signs include elevated heart and respiratory rates, body temperature, muscle spasms, and stiffness. More severe cases may involve recumbency (inability to stand), ataxia (lack of coordination), and dark-colored urine due to muscle breakdown.

Prognosis: The prognosis is often poor, especially if clinical signs are present. Acute cases can result in sudden death, while chronic cases can lead to long-term muscle damage, heart failure, and paralysis.

Prevention: Prevention through careful handling and minimizing stress is crucial. Animals should not be be handled by inexperienced people unfamiliar with how best to properly work animals. Minimizing capture (or rounding up) stress is the best way to prevent capture myopathy. This includes proper handling, minimizing noise and movement during capture, and ensuring proper restraint techniques.

sources & resources

Triple W Arena: Alternative Livestock Sales; Wilson Horse & Mule Auction, Cookeville, Tennessee

CaptureMyopathy-AnneFowler.pdf

CalgaryWildlife.org

Temple Grandin's website: grandin.com

Homestead & Miniature Cattle Directory



Homestead Cattle Association

Homestead & Miniature Cattle Registry
Heritage Cattle Registry

author: Donna Grace Vickery
©published 08-10-2025