Muscular Injuries

The two most common muscular problems are “tying up” (acute rhabdomyolysis) and back pain due to repetitive strain. Tying up is a common condition and the cause of the disease is poorly understood. While it has been commonly associated with the breakdown of glycogen and the accumulation of lactic acid, the problem will usually develop at levels of exercise below the anaerobic threshold. It is clear some animals have a psychological or biochemical propensity to tie up suggesting that they are deficient in certain enzymes involved in energy metabolism. When tying up occurs, it is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, tranquilization and intravenous (IV) fluids, when appropriate.

“Back soreness” is a rather nebulous condition. It is usually muscular in origin, as opposed to humans where it is commonly associated with intervertebral joints and intervertebral disks. Back soreness is often secondary to hind or front limb lameness; the horse changes its way of going to compensate for a problem in its limbs and back soreness as a consequence.