Myodegeneration in Kentucky white-tailed deer.

Skeletal or cardiac myodegeneration, or both, was observed in 4 free-ranging female white-tailed deer that were found dead or recumbent and unable to rise. Gross pathologic findings included white or chalky streaks in heart or skeletal musculature. Degeneration, necrosis, and mineralization were observed microscopically in affected striated muscles. Although the precise cause of myodegeneration was not determined, changes were considered compatible with nutritional or exertional myopathy.