What is Tying Up?
Tying up, also known as exertional rhabdomyolysis, is a condition in horses that can result in extreme muscle pain, stiffness, and cramping. It is caused by a malfunction in the horse’s metabolism that causes the muscle cells to break down, releasing toxic enzymes into the bloodstream. The muscles become deprived of oxygen and the muscles can become permanently damaged or even die.
Signs and Symptoms of Tying Up
The signs and symptoms of tying up in horses can vary from mild to severe. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Muscle tremors: This is usually the first sign of tying up. The horse will appear to be trembling or shaking in its muscles.
- Muscle stiffness: This can be seen as the horse appears to have difficulty moving its legs or body. It may be reluctant to move and can appear to be in pain.
- Muscle soreness: The horse may appear to be in pain or have difficulty moving as a result of muscle soreness.
- Excessive sweating: Horses with tying up may sweat more than usual, even when not performing exercise.
- Decreased performance: Horses with tying up may experience a decrease in performance and may even appear to be weak or fatigued.
Causes of Tying Up
Tying up is often caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Exercise Intensity: Intense exercise or over-exertion can put a strain on the horse’s muscles, resulting in tying up.
- Nutritional Imbalances: Poor nutrition or an imbalance of minerals and vitamins can lead to tying up.
- Genetics: Certain breeds of horses are more prone to tying up, including some Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and Paints.
- Environmental Factors: Hot, humid weather and hard ground can increase the risk of tying up.
Diagnosing Tying Up
Diagnosing tying up in horses can be a tricky process as there is no single test that can definitively identify the condition. Your veterinarian will likely perform a physical examination and review the horse’s history and exercise routine to help determine if the horse is tying up.
In some cases, your veterinarian may order blood tests to check for elevated levels of enzymes, which can indicate muscle damage. Your veterinarian may also perform a muscle biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Treating Tying Up
Once your veterinarian has diagnosed tying up in your horse, they will develop a treatment plan to help manage the condition. Treatment will depend on the severity of the condition and may include:
- Rest: The horse should be given plenty of rest and should not be allowed to exercise until it has fully recovered.
- Medication: Your veterinarian may prescribe medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and help relieve pain.
- Nutritional Supplements: Your veterinarian may recommend supplementing the horse’s diet with vitamins and minerals to help correct any nutritional imbalances.
- Therapy: Your veterinarian may recommend physical therapy such as massage or stretching to help reduce muscle stiffness and improve flexibility.
Should You Walk a Horse That is Tying Up?
It is important to remember that tying up is a serious condition and can lead to permanent damage or even death if left untreated. If your horse is showing signs and symptoms of tying up, it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately.
It is generally not recommended to walk a horse that is tying up as this can exacerbate the condition and cause further damage to the muscles. However, if your veterinarian has given the OK, it may be beneficial to walk the horse at a slow, steady pace to help reduce muscle stiffness and improve circulation.
Benefits of Walking a Horse That is Tying Up
Walking a horse that is tying up can be beneficial in some cases, as it can help to:
- Reduce Muscle Stiffness: Walking the horse can help to reduce muscle stiffness and improve flexibility.
- Improve Circulation: Walking the horse can help to improve circulation, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Promote Muscle Strength: Walking the horse can help to strengthen the muscles, which can help to prevent future episodes of tying up.
Risks of Walking a Horse That is Tying Up
It is important to remember that walking a horse that is tying up can be risky, as it can worsen the condition and cause further damage to the muscles. It is important to always consult your veterinarian before attempting to walk a horse that is tying up.
Preventing Tying Up
The best way to prevent tying up in horses is to be proactive in managing the condition. This includes:
- Proper Nutrition: It is important to feed your horse a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best diet for your horse.
- Adequate Exercise: Exercise is important for keeping the horse’s muscles healthy, but it is important to make sure the horse is not over-exercised.
- Regular Veterinary Care: Regular veterinary visits can help to identify any potential problems early and can help to prevent tying up.
Conclusion
Tying up is a serious condition that can cause permanent damage to the horse’s muscles. It is important to seek veterinary attention immediately if your horse is showing signs and symptoms of tying up.
While walking a horse that is tying up can be beneficial in some cases, it is important to always consult your veterinarian before attempting to do so. The best way to prevent tying up is to be proactive in managing the condition and to make sure the horse is receiving proper nutrition and regular exercise.