Exertional rhabdomyolysis (tying up) causes severe muscle pain and welfare impacts in horses during or after exercise, with multiple underlying conditions requiring specific management.
Tying up causes severe muscle pain with horses reluctant to move, sweating and showing obvious distress. Recurrent episodes cause cumulative muscle damage. Welfare priorities include immediate rest and analgesia during an episode, veterinary assessment to identify the underlying cause, dietary modification (low-starch diet for PSSM, reduced starch and increased fat for RER), and consistent exercise management.