Serum Biochemical Alterations Associated with Exertional Myopathy in Free-ranging Spotted Deer (Axis axis) and Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjak)

Background: Exertional myopathy (EM), also referred to as capture myopathy, is a fatal, stress-induced, non-infectious metabolic disorder that affects a wide range of wild mammals and birds following events involving intense physical exertion or psychological stress. In India, species such as spotted deer (Axis axis) and barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) are frequently subjected to stressful conditions including rescue, capture, translocation, physical restraint and transportation, which predispose them to EM. However, limited research exists on the clinicopathological aspects of EM in these free-ranging cervid species. Methods: The present study aimed to investigate the serum biochemical alterations associated with EM in spotted deer and barking deer under field conditions. Free-ranging cervids (spotted deer, n = 26; barking deer, n = 7) with a history of trauma, dog attack, vehicular collision, physical restraint, or capture were assessed during rehabilitation. Serum samples were analysed for key muscle injury biomarkers, including creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Result: Significantly elevated levels of LDH and AST were consistently observed in animals exhibiting clinical signs suggestive of EM, whereas CK showed variable elevations. Among the three markers, LDH emerged as the most reliable indicator of muscular damage. This study provides the first systematic documentation of serum biochemical changes associated with EM in free-ranging spotted and barking deer. The findings highlight the diagnostic utility of LDH, CK and AST as biomarkers for EM and emphasize the need for precautionary measures to reduce stress during wildlife handling operations to prevent exertional fatalities in vulnerable cervid populations.