What condition can deer experience during capture if they cannot move and feel trapped?

• A. Capture myopathy
• B. Rabies
• C. Parvovirus
• D. Heat stroke

Answer: (A)

When a deer is chased and then restrained so it cannot move, the intense stress can trigger capture myopathy. This is a stress-induced muscle injury, also called exertional rhabdomyolysis, that happens when muscles are forced to work hard under extreme strain but cannot complete the activity because the animal is immobilized. The rapid surge of stress hormones and energy depletion within muscle cells leads to damage of the muscle fibers, release of muscle contents into the bloodstream, and a cascade of effects like weakness, stiffness, trouble standing, rapid or shallow breathing, and often dark urine from myoglobin. The condition can progress quickly and may be fatal if not addressed. While heat-related issues or infections can occur in wildlife, the specific situation of being trapped and immobile during capture most directly results in capture myopathy.