"Tying-Up" or Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (ER)
"Tying-up" is a generic term often used to describe muscle pain and cramping associated with exercise. Interestingly, some of the most common beliefs about tying-up have been proven wrong by scientific study. Today, we know it is a syndrome, meaning that while clinical signs may be similar, underlying causes can differ. This syndrome is more accurately referred to as "exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER)." Classic symptoms of ER can include firm and painful muscles over the lumbar and sacral regions of the topline, muscle tremors, pain, stiffness, excessive sweating, reluctance to move, and poor performance.
Some horses experience sporadic episodes (commonly caused when exercised in excess of their level of conditioning), while others suffer from more chronic forms (there can be several causes). It can be exercise-associated or non-exercised-associated. Muscle damage often results, but some cases may lead to poor performance without muscle damage. Research suggests that there might be several inherited reasons for chronic tying-up.
It is crucial to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause so targeted management strategies can be devised to control symptoms. Nutrition can play an important role, and involving an equine nutritionist in an affected horse's management program is often recommended.
Check out this resource from Kentucky Equine Research for more information: bit.ly/ker-er
Warm-ups are Important
Warm-up periods can provide several benefits, including enhanced blood flow and oxygen delivery to working muscles and increased range of motion.
The general rule is that you should begin at the walk before progressing to trot and canter, and do plenty of stretching and suppling in a longer-than-working frame to allow the horse to get the blood pumping, loosen his muscles, and develop some swing over the back and neck. Once your horse is moving freely in a relaxed manner, the next goal of the warm-up is to prepare the horse's body physiologically for the work to come.
There is no hard or fast rule on timing, but your veterinarian and trainer can provide recommendations tailored to your horse's needs and performance level.
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Respiratory Health
Respiratory-related health conditions are one of the leading causes of poor performance in equine athletes. In horses, respiratory diseases can be broken down into the following three categories:
Equine Asthma
Acute Infection
Shipping Fever
Following proper biosecurity protocols is one of the most effective ways to decrease your horse's chances of experiencing significant respiratory health issues. Contact Peregrine Equine at (415) 254-3112 to discuss vaccinations and other respiratory-related safety measures for your sport horse.
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At Peregrine Equine, we offer equine performance evaluations to optimize your sport horse's health and keep them competing at their best. By being proactive with regularly scheduled evaluations, our goal is to identify and treat problems early. Treatments in the early stages of a condition typically have a better prognosis for continued soundness and ability to perform.
Contact our office at (415) 254-3112 to schedule a performance evaluation with Dr. Courtney Lewis.
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Like human athletes, horses are subject to injuries. Your injury prevention strategy should be a collaborative effort between owner, trainer, farrier, veterinarian, groom, and any other members of your horse's care team. Some things to consider in an injury prevention plan include:
- Always warm-up.
- Properly condition your horse for the level of work expected. After a break in work, it may be necessary to drop back in the level of performance and build back up.
- Incorporate variety on your horse's training regimen (type of work, speed, footing, terrain, etc.)
- Keep up a regular schedule of hoof care.
- Be on the lookout for hazardous footing.
- Check your horse daily. Grooming is an excellent opportunity to assess your horse for abnormalities (heat, soreness, changes in skin or coat, wounds, behavioral changes, etc.).
- Pay attention to saddle fit.
- Have regular performance evaluations conducted by your veterinarian.
- Utilize a cool-down period after work. In the summer months, it may be beneficial to actively cool the horse with water.
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Gastric Ulcers are always considered when investigating a medical cause for poor performance. It is estimated that between 60 to 90 percent of adult horses are affected. While any horse can be effected, ulcer prevalence is highest among performance horses. Luckily, there are effective treatment and management techniques that your veterinarian can customize to meet your horse's needs.
Follow along this month as we dive further into the topic of gastric ulcers in the horse.
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