Everything You Need To Know About Horses

Tying-Up

Tying-Up

This is a reasonably common problem, seen more often amongst filles than colts and geldings. Tying-up is a work and feed related problem, which has given rise to one of this condition’s names. Monday morning sickness, where horses that are fed high grain diets over the weekend without being worked, will be worked hard on the Monday, causing a build-up of lactic acid in the muscles. There is a cramping of the muscles, especially the gluteal muscles high up in the hind legs, giving short, stilted action with the hind legs. At the same time there is a release of damaging enzymes from the muscles.

The horse may present with laminitis like conditions, be reluctant to walk and want to lie down. Its respiration may be elevated.

Walking the horse can compound damage. In mild cases, place the horse in a small yard, allow him to walk around a little if he wishes.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are useful and fluids should be given to rehydrate the horse and flush the kidneys. In severe cases the horse can be quite distressed. If you suspect tying-up, call a vet to establish the seriousness and advise treatment.