Exertional rhabdomyolysis (tying-up) causes severe muscle pain and distress in affected horses, with dietary and management strategies significantly reducing recurrence.
Tying-up represents acute, severe pain that causes genuine suffering in affected horses. The muscle cramping and cellular damage create intense pain that is visibly apparent in reluctance to move, distressed behavior, and physiological indicators of acute pain. Episodes can be severe enough to cause long-term muscle damage and recurrent welfare problems. The welfare significance is compounded by the fact that risk factors are often within owner control: appropriate dietary management, consistent exercise schedules, and stress reduction can substantially reduce recurrence in predisposed horses. Genetic testing enabling preventive management before the first episode represents an emerging welfare improvement tool.