There may be differences in the color and textures of muscle groups. Early in the disease, affected muscles may look wet and have small bruises. Later, the muscle becomes pale, dry, and very soft. In severe cases, entire muscles may be torn. The heart muscle may have pale areas or streaks.
Lungs are usually dark and wet.
In bad cases, the bladder may contain red-brown urine and kidneys may be dark brown. Meat from affected animals is suitable for human consumption. Exertional myopathy may cause muscle changes that decrease the quality of the meat. Samples to collect Portions of muscle from several different areas of the body, as well as sections of the heart and kidney. These samples should not be frozen.