By: Dr Rosie Alcorn BVSc PG Cert VPS Cert AVP MRCVS

Tying Up in Racehorses: Causes, Management, and Prevention

Tying up in racehorses, more accurately referred to as Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (ER), is a muscle disorder commonly seen in racehorses. At lower levels, it manifests as a drop in performance, muscle stiffness, pain, and reluctance to move during or after exercise. In severe cases, dark or blood-coloured urine may be present.

There are various underlying causes of tying up, some of which may be linked to the horse’s genetics, while others are associated with management practices and diet. A definitive diagnosis is made through a blood sample taken by a vet to measure muscle enzymes such as creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

Dietary Risk Factors for Tying Up in Racehorses:

  • Excessive starch intake

  • Insufficient electrolytes

  • Vitamin E deficiency

Management Factors:

  • Inconsistent exercise routines

  • Sudden changes in workload (increase or decrease)

  • Lack of proper warm-up or cool-down periods

  • Excitable, stressed, or nervous horses are more likely to experience tying up.

What Can We Do to Help a Horse with Tying Up?

Immediate Care:

  • Rest the horse and avoid further exercise

  • Provide fresh water and electrolyte solutions to address dehydration

  • Call your vet

Long-Term Management:

  • Adjust the diet: Provide a high-quality, reduced-starch feed. Use fat and fibre-based energy sources.

  • Build a consistent exercise routine, avoiding days off.

  • Supplement with electrolytes, Vitamin E, and selenium to support muscle health.

Preventing Tying Up in Racehorses

Optimised Nutrition:

  • Use low-starch, high-fat feeds to minimise blood sugar fluctuations.

  • Ensure adequate electrolyte intake, particularly after strenuous exercise.

Structured Training:

  • Avoid sudden increases in exercise intensity.

  • Exercise regularly, ideally every day.

Stress Reduction:

  • Maintain a calm and consistent training environment.

Conclusion:

Tying up can be a frustrating and debilitating condition for racehorses. However, with proper management, many affected horses can continue to perform at a high level. A balanced diet, consistent training, and stress reduction strategies are crucial in both the management and prevention of this condition. Work closely with your vet to develop a tailored plan to ensure your horse stays healthy and performs at its best.

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