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Rhabdomyolysis in Horses:
  • Sporadic Tying Up
  • Equine Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (EPSM),
  • Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM)
  • Exertional Rhabdomyolysis

  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

Introduction

Introduction » Symptoms » Diagnosis » General Treatment » EPSM, PSSM » Exertional Rhabdomyolysis » Plant toxins » Ear Ticks » Myopathy in Foals » Prevention » More Info 

Tying up is a term for horses that are suffering from a generalized muscle soreness and stiffness and medically is known as rhabdomyolysis. Though there are many causes, in most cases some metabolic event is interfering with the normal function of the muscle cell, usually the conversion of chemical energy to support normal cell function. As the muscle cells ability to convert stored energy to action grows the cell malfunctions and the result is pain and stiffness. In severe cases the celll can die and is the meaning of the term "rhabdomyolysis": death of skeletal muscle.

Horses with rhabdomyolysis first develop pain and stiffness in the larger muscle groups like those of the lower back, pelvis, and thigh region. There are some causes of tying up that effect primarily the muscles of the neck and front legs however. The problem can vary from a transient trembling or cramping to a serious problem with large amounts of muscle locked up.Severely effected horses can have remarkable muscle necrosis which can lead to kidney failure and death.

Though symptoms are similar, conditions that cause a horse to tie up include: exertional stress, nutritional deficiencies, plant toxins, and genetic defects of carbohydrate metabolism. Two examples of the genetic diseases are Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM) in Quarterhorse, Apps, and Paints and Equine Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (EPSM) in the draft breed. Recognition of the specific problem leading to the tying up episode has led to more effective treatment and management options and a better prognosis.

This article discusses the different causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the different causes of tying up in horses. Links to articles on specific diseases are also provided.
      ~Word Count: 6516 words (The average magazine page contains about 600 words);
      ~Last Updated: October 15, 2009;

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Discussions on Rhabdomyolysis: Tying Up, Shivers, PSSM, EPSM
  Titles Subtopics Posts Updated
iconTick disease and tying upOct 29, 09
iconAtypical Myopathy (Atypical Myoglobinuria)- Anyone been there?Oct 22, 09
iconMorgan with PSSM11 Sep 12, 09
iconDid my 26-year old Thoroughbred Tye Up?Jun 4, 09
iconReluctance to pick up back feet12 May 5, 09
iconPain meds for PSSMDec 21, 08
iconDoes this sound like EPSM? Omegatin as complete feed for EPSM Horses?16 Dec 19, 08
iconResearch Summary: GYS1 Mutation predominant form of PSSM in Draft ...Sep 23, 08
iconIs Releve alone sufficient?Oct 16, 08
iconUsing EMPOWER by Nutrena for supplement???Jul 22, 08
iconEndurance mare tyed upJun 19, 08
iconArticle Update: RhabdomyolysisJun 9, 08
iconTying UpMay 16, 08
iconResearch Summary: Cob Normand horses and PSSM.Apr 30, 08
iconResearch Study: New information on Atypical MyopathyApr 22, 08
iconResearch Summary: Cause of PSSM identified?Apr 15, 08
iconResearch Summary: Clinical features of atypical myopathy in horses ...Feb 13, 08
iconResearch Summary: Muscle injury (necrosis) following a bout of coli...Jan 18, 08
iconTying up or something else?37 Nov 21, 07
iconQuietex for EPSM horseJun 11, 07
iconHorse tyed up - ongoing issue? 20 Aug 6, 08
iconReseach Summary: More Support for High Fat Low Starch DietsApr 9, 07
iconTying up Question Feb 28, 07
iconSetback and questions79 Apr 28, 07
iconBreeding with EPSM mareDec 12, 06
iconHelp for EPSM geldingDec 10, 06
iconUpdated Article and seasonal pasture myopathy in horsesOct 16, 06
iconPssm41 Jan 7, 07
iconTying up or something else??Sep 28, 06
iconLong distance ridingSep 4, 06
iconTying upJul 20, 06
iconUpdateJul 12, 06
iconFeeding apples and carrots to EPSM horseDec 4, 06
iconArchive Discussions: 44 discussions Click link to access data.
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