Exertional rhabdomyolysis causes severe muscle pain in horses. Understanding triggers and management strategies significantly reduces recurrence and suffering.
Acute tying up episodes are extremely painful — horses may be unable to move, sweat profusely and show signs of severe distress. Emergency treatment requires cessation of exercise, veterinary assessment, pain relief and fluid therapy to protect the kidneys from myoglobin damage. Chronic management through dietary modification, consistent exercise patterns and genetic testing of breed-specific conditions dramatically reduces welfare incidents. Horses with PSSM benefit from high-fat, low-starch diets and daily turnout with consistent exercise.