Tying up, also known as exertional rhabdomyolysis, or ER, is a syndrome that affects the horse’s major muscle groups and tissues. When a horse is tying up, he can present as being unable to walk or move, since his body cannot control what would be normal muscle contraction and relaxation.

Symptoms

The symptoms of tying up can begin at the onset of your ride, but sometimes you won’t notice the symptoms until your horse has been cooled out and left to stand for a while. Common symptoms of tying up include stiffness, reluctance or inability to move, a shortened gait, and muscle spasms and cramps.

In severe cases, your horse might display signs of shock like increased heart and respiratory rates and collapse. If he is able to stand, he may do so in a hunched position, and his urine may be a dark, reddish-brown.

Tying up can be either sporadic or chronic. According to Kentucky Equine Research, A horse can tie up sporadically if he is demanded to perform at a higher athletic level than he is fit for. If a horse isn’t properly fit for the job that’s being asked of him, the exercise level can overstress his muscles and result in tying up. The overfeeding of carbohydrates can also potentially cause tying up.

Chronic tying up occurs in many breeds, and the reason for it is unknown. Theories include electrolyte or hormonal imbalances, and possibly selenium or vitamin E deficiency. It’s possible that the condition may be inherited.

Treatment

Sporadic tying up can be treated with a variety of measures. If a horse is reluctant to move or is passing dark urine, you should call your vet immediately. The vet will likely give your horse pain medication and make sure that he is properly hydrated. He may prescribe stall rest with light walking, and a decrease in grain.

Chronic tying up is more difficult to treat, since its causes are not yet widely understood. Dietary changes and careful management may be effective, and some horses are able to be ridden or exercised if they are given a sedative before doing so.

Supplementation can also improve the frequency and severity with which a horse ties up. Horses that tie up sporadically can often go on to enjoy a full, active career. Practicing good equine management and spending plenty of time warming the horse up gradually can also improve tying up issues.

If you ever notice a horse tying up, you should treat it as an emergency and contact your vet. Do not force the horse to move, and try to keep yourself calm. Tying up can often be managed, especially if it’s only the first time that your horse has tied up.

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Original Source: What You Need to Know About Tying Up