| Summary: | Capture myopathy is a syndrome seen as a complication of capture and handling in many species of birds and mammals. Muscular trauma and necrosis leads to ataxia, paralysis and pain, while metabolic disturbances can result in death of the animal. We investigated risk factors and a new ancillary treatment for three species of shorebirds that are reportedly susceptible to capture myopathy: bar-tailed godwits (Limosa lapponica), red knots (Calidris canutus) and great knots (C. tenuirostris). Serial blood samples were examined for changes in the plasma concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), uric acid (UA) and potassium (K+). Comparisons were made for two capture methods: mist-netting and cannon-netting. Environmental factors were investigated by comparing cannon-net captures in 3 locations with differing ambient temperatures. Sex and body mass were also investigated as potential risk factors in godwits. We found marked increases in plasma concentrations of CK in godwits and great knots following capture and banding. While some muscle damage was evident by both methods of capture, cannon-net captures showed greater evidence of muscle damage in godwits and a greater occurrence of capture myopathy in godwits and red knots. Entanglement nets were especially risky, associated with the most problematic capture and a greater number of CM cases. Sex or body mass differences did not appear to influence godwit susceptibility to muscle damage. Surprisingly, hot environmental temperatures in Australia did not exacerbate muscle damage when compared with cooler New Zealand locations, but elevated plasma concentrations of AST suggested greater generalized tissue or organ damage. Plasma concentrations of uric acid showed species variability, but all species showed a significant decline in the post-capture period that may relate to interruption of digestion due to acute stress. Sixteen godwits that developed capture myopathy after a cannon-net capture in New Zealand were hospitalised and split ...
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