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What is Azoturia?

Caitlin Kenney
Caitlin Kenney

Azoturia, or Equine Rhabdomyelosis, is a muscle condition that causes cramping. It is also sometimes referred to as Tying-up Syndrome, Monday Morning Disease, Myositis, or Setfast. In the most severe cases, extreme cramping can damage the muscles which can cause the release of myoglobin to the kidneys and then into the urine. The urine will turn a dark reddish color if this has happened. In most cases, horses will show signs of azoturia by shortening the stride and then eventually cramping until they are immobile.

Azoturia is not totally understood and there are different theories as to why it occurs. It has been proven to occur more in fillies and mares than geldings and stallions and it is believed that this is a hormonal effect caused by the horse coming into heat. It is widely believed that azoturia is a result of working a horse too hard after it has had days of rest on a full diet. This causes a build up of lactic acid which in turn causes local tissue damage and constricts blood flow to the muscle tissue.

It is widely believed that azoturia is a result of working a horse too hard after it has had days of rest on a full diet.
It is widely believed that azoturia is a result of working a horse too hard after it has had days of rest on a full diet.

Azoturia often occurs towards the end of the workout. The horse might begin to drag his back legs and his rear muscles will become very tight and sometimes balled up to the touch. It is important to check the horse's pulse and respiratory rate. If he is perspiring and breathing heavily he probably has a more severe case of azoturia.

In mild cases, the horse should be kept warm and massaged, and be encouraged to drink until his muscles loosen. In the following days he should be walked regularly and not put back to total rest. In more severe cases, the horse may need fluids given orally or intravenously. Steroids can be given in the early stages of azoturia. If the horse is showing signs of intense pain, he should be given pain killers.

Horses should get exercise and stay on a well-balanced diet to help prevent azoturia.
Horses should get exercise and stay on a well-balanced diet to help prevent azoturia.

To help prevent azoturia, horses should stay on a well-balanced diet with controlled exercise. When the horse is working harder, he should take in higher calories and protein. When he is working less or is inactive, his feed intake should reduce as well. Feeding a horse Vitamin E and selenium, electrolytes, sodium bicarbonate, thyroxine, thiamine, acepromazine, Dantrolene, phenytoin, and diazepam are believed by some to help reduce the chances of azoturia, but they are not medically proven to work. Horses seem to benefit from eating grass and also from being ridden while out at pasture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Azoturia in horses?

Letting a horse graze and get exercise in a pasture may help prevent azoturia.
Letting a horse graze and get exercise in a pasture may help prevent azoturia.

Azoturia, also known as "tying up" or exertional rhabdomyolysis, is a muscular disorder affecting horses. It's characterized by muscle cramping and damage, often after exercise. Symptoms include stiffness, sweating, and reluctance to move. The condition is linked to metabolic imbalances, particularly in horses with high carbohydrate diets or those with sporadic intense exercise routines.

What causes Azoturia in horses?

Azoturia is caused by a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, dietary imbalances, and exercise. Horses with high grain diets and low exercise levels can develop a buildup of muscle glycogen. When they suddenly engage in intense activity, their muscles may suffer damage due to an inability to process all the stored energy efficiently, leading to Azoturia.

How can Azoturia be prevented in horses?

Preventing Azoturia involves managing diet and exercise. Feeding a balanced diet with appropriate levels of carbohydrates and ensuring regular, consistent exercise can help. Gradually increasing the intensity of workouts allows the horse's muscles to adapt. Adequate warm-up and cool-down periods during exercise sessions are also crucial in prevention strategies.

What are the symptoms of Azoturia in horses?

Symptoms of Azoturia include muscle stiffness, weakness, and sometimes swelling in the hindquarters. Affected horses may exhibit signs of pain like sweating and rapid breathing, and their urine can turn dark brown due to muscle breakdown products. In severe cases, horses might refuse to move or have difficulty standing.

How is Azoturia diagnosed in horses?

Azoturia is diagnosed through clinical signs, history of the horse's diet and exercise, and laboratory tests. Blood tests can reveal elevated levels of muscle enzymes such as creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), indicating muscle damage. Urinalysis can detect myoglobin, a muscle protein that causes the urine to darken after muscle injury.

What treatments are available for Azoturia in horses?

Treatment for Azoturia focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing further muscle damage. This includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes intravenous fluids to protect the kidneys from the effects of myoglobin. Adjusting the horse's diet and exercise routine is essential for long-term management and prevention of future episodes.

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    • It is widely believed that azoturia is a result of working a horse too hard after it has had days of rest on a full diet.
      By: Alexia Khruscheva
      It is widely believed that azoturia is a result of working a horse too hard after it has had days of rest on a full diet.
    • Horses should get exercise and stay on a well-balanced diet to help prevent azoturia.
      By: CofkoCof
      Horses should get exercise and stay on a well-balanced diet to help prevent azoturia.
    • Letting a horse graze and get exercise in a pasture may help prevent azoturia.
      By: Hauke-Chr. Dittrich
      Letting a horse graze and get exercise in a pasture may help prevent azoturia.