Post by IH Health on Aug 3, 2009 10:40:56 GMT 1
Azoturia
Also known as:
Tying-up syndrome, setfast, Monday morning disease, Paralytic/equine myoplobinuria, Blackwater, Exertional myopathy, Equine/Exertional Rhabdomyolysis
What is it?
Azoturia is a condition that mainly affects horses upon their work after a period of rest. It can happen after box rest or even being kept in a stable over night.
Causes
The causes are still unknown although there is a lot of research and investigation on the subject. It is generally considered that one of many issues can trigger an attack including: A deficiency or imbalance in Vitamin E, selemiun, salts and or electrolytes, enforced box rest whilst on high carbohydrates, irregular exercise of a fit horse, excessive exercise of an unfit horse, sudden stressful situations like running into a show jump or trapping a wild horse, hormones in mares, inheritance of predisposition, defects or abnormalities in the glycogen storage in muscle cells.
Symptoms
• The horse works normally at first but after a short while is reluctant to move.
• In mild cases the muscles of the hindquarters become stiff and tense but improve with gentle walking (tying-up)
• The horse may stagger, sweat up or show signs of quickened breathing (indicating a more serious case)
• In severe cases the horse may be in so much pain from muscle contractions that they are unable to stand. If forced to move the hocks and fetlocks become flexed and the hindquarters sink
• Repeated attempts to urinate – the urine may be redder/darker and have a strange smell – this is due to myoglobin (red blood cell pigment) being released from damaged muscles which is then excreted.
• Mild colic symptoms may be present when the horse is stood still.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Azoturia is normally through symptom checking by a vet. Blood samples can also be taken to test the enzymes CPK (creatine kinase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) to distinguish how bad an attack is.
Treatment
Because attacks can be sporadic you may find yourself out on a hack when the condition presents itself. If this is the case then immediately dismount, losen the girth, place a jacket or rug over the hindquarters and if possible get a trailer to come and pick you up. It is not a good idea to force the horse to walk because it can lead to more muscle damage. If the attack is severe it may be worth calling the vet direct and seeing if a horse ambulance is available. Keep the horse warm whilst waiting. Once back at the stable or if on the yard, keep the horse warm via blankets or if installed infra-red lamps. Feed only hay and water (pony cubes are acceptable if horse needs more sustenance). If the myoglobin in the urine is a large amount, flushing of the kidneys may be required as it can damage them. Bute may be advised and rest is advised.
Prevention
* Proper warming up and down before/after exercise can help reduce the incidence of this condition.
* Feed to workload and remove excess carbohydrates if possible
* If prone to condition try to allow turnout as much as possible.
Websites (click on title for link)
Azoturia www.equinehospital.net/azoturia.htm
Many Azoturia Articles www.horseandhound.co.uk/horse-care-index/vet/tag/Azoturia
Previous discussions
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Please post below any information you have on the subject of colic or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
Also known as:
Tying-up syndrome, setfast, Monday morning disease, Paralytic/equine myoplobinuria, Blackwater, Exertional myopathy, Equine/Exertional Rhabdomyolysis
What is it?
Azoturia is a condition that mainly affects horses upon their work after a period of rest. It can happen after box rest or even being kept in a stable over night.
Causes
The causes are still unknown although there is a lot of research and investigation on the subject. It is generally considered that one of many issues can trigger an attack including: A deficiency or imbalance in Vitamin E, selemiun, salts and or electrolytes, enforced box rest whilst on high carbohydrates, irregular exercise of a fit horse, excessive exercise of an unfit horse, sudden stressful situations like running into a show jump or trapping a wild horse, hormones in mares, inheritance of predisposition, defects or abnormalities in the glycogen storage in muscle cells.
Symptoms
• The horse works normally at first but after a short while is reluctant to move.
• In mild cases the muscles of the hindquarters become stiff and tense but improve with gentle walking (tying-up)
• The horse may stagger, sweat up or show signs of quickened breathing (indicating a more serious case)
• In severe cases the horse may be in so much pain from muscle contractions that they are unable to stand. If forced to move the hocks and fetlocks become flexed and the hindquarters sink
• Repeated attempts to urinate – the urine may be redder/darker and have a strange smell – this is due to myoglobin (red blood cell pigment) being released from damaged muscles which is then excreted.
• Mild colic symptoms may be present when the horse is stood still.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Azoturia is normally through symptom checking by a vet. Blood samples can also be taken to test the enzymes CPK (creatine kinase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) to distinguish how bad an attack is.
Treatment
Because attacks can be sporadic you may find yourself out on a hack when the condition presents itself. If this is the case then immediately dismount, losen the girth, place a jacket or rug over the hindquarters and if possible get a trailer to come and pick you up. It is not a good idea to force the horse to walk because it can lead to more muscle damage. If the attack is severe it may be worth calling the vet direct and seeing if a horse ambulance is available. Keep the horse warm whilst waiting. Once back at the stable or if on the yard, keep the horse warm via blankets or if installed infra-red lamps. Feed only hay and water (pony cubes are acceptable if horse needs more sustenance). If the myoglobin in the urine is a large amount, flushing of the kidneys may be required as it can damage them. Bute may be advised and rest is advised.
Prevention
* Proper warming up and down before/after exercise can help reduce the incidence of this condition.
* Feed to workload and remove excess carbohydrates if possible
* If prone to condition try to allow turnout as much as possible.
Websites (click on title for link)
Azoturia www.equinehospital.net/azoturia.htm
Many Azoturia Articles www.horseandhound.co.uk/horse-care-index/vet/tag/Azoturia
Previous discussions
Search engine not playing!
Please post below any information you have on the subject of colic or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.