Horse Health: Azoturia

About Azoturia

Azoturia is a condition in horses that is usually, but not always, associated with exercise and is also known as "Monday morning disease", "Tying Up" and "Equine Rhabdomyolysis Syndrome".

Azoturia can develop rapidly and most often occurs when a horse in hard work is given a rest day without having its working diet reduced.

It was previously thought that Azoturia occurred due to increased lactic acid levels leading to muscle fatigue and cramps, but more recently it has been concluded that Azoturia is due to a metabolic abnormality in muscle cells resulting in some horses having an underlying susceptibility to the condition which can be triggered by one or more exercise related factors.

Mares coming into heat may also be prone to Azoturia.

Symptoms Of Azoturia

As Azoturia develops the muscles of the horse over the loins and quarters harden resulting in cramps and muscular stiffness when exercised. The horse's stride becomes shorter, it staggers behind and then goes lame and may collapse if work is continued. The horse has a high temperature and sweating may be evident. Examination of the hindquarters will show stiffening. In severe cases the myogolobin released from the damaged muscles turns the urine dark red.

Treatment Of Azoturia

The horse should be dismounted and made to rest where it is and veterinary advice should be sought immediately.

Treatment for Azoturia may consist of a laxative diet, anti-inflammatories, a sedative, muscle relaxers and massage of the affected muscles. A low energy diet should be fed and the horse may also require a few days rest.

Prevention Of Azoturia

Regular exercise with warming up and cooling down periods together with only the necessary amount of feed and reduction of feed on rest days will help to prevent Azoturia.

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Azoturia

About Azoturia

Symptoms Of Azoturia

Treatment Of Azoturia

Prevention Of Azoturia

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