azoturia or tying upazoturia or tying upazoturia or tying upazoturia or tying up

azoturia or tying up

"Tying-Up", "Setfast", "Monday Morning Disease", "Azoturia" or Equine Rhabdomyelosis... are all names for a painful condition that affects the muscles of horses ; ranging from mild stiffness and cramps to being unable to move or even stand up.

The basic disease is not very well understood and it is probable that "triggering" factors are different for different horses with different work regimes.
There are a number of anecdotal theories about the best way to prevent the problem occurring – but not much clinical proof, as episodes vary so much.

It has been shown that it can affect horses at any age and that fillies and mares are more commonly affected than geldings and stallions; which suggests that, in some cases, hormonal changes may be implicated.
The most recognised cause is seen as overfeeding (carbohydrate overload) during a period of rest after a period of regular work, as the problem usually occurs when work starts again.
It has been suggested that muscle glycogen builds up during a few days rest - so when work begins again - too much lactic acid is produced, causing local tissue damage and constriction of the blood vessels.

Diagnostic tests have shown that deficiency and/or imbalances of vitamin and mineral supply in the diet may predispose an attack. For example Thiamine (one of the B Vitamins) is important for the metabolism of working muscle waste products and should be provided in correct proportion in the diet. Vitamins and minerals rarely work in isolation, but interact extensively; so excess or deficiency of one or another may be a problem. Also, studies show that Electrolyte imbalances may be involved, this can only show up in a specially designed urine test.

Skilled equine nutritionists now design feeds containing correct and balanced supplies of all the necessary micronutrients for health and performance.
It has been shown that, when horses, that may have suffered an attack in the past, are fed with the correct diet to suit their work-load, there is little likelihood of a further problem.

The highly experienced equine nutritionist, Deborah M Lucas MSc, CBiol, MIBiol, R.Nutr. has designed a range of feeds for BALANCED’ Horse feeds that provides a ration to suit every breed, type and temperament of horse or pony – in every level of work. All the feeds are fully supplemented with a correct balance of vegetable protein, minerals, vitamins, anti-oxidants, trace elements etc so no further additives are required. The correct balance of micronutrients in each feed means that minimal amounts can be fed – making them simple and cost effective to use.

The WORKING HORSE range of coarse mixes provides a choice of energy level to suit each level of work. The pioneering fibre based, complete feeds SHOW MIXTM and SHOW MIXTM CUBED3 provide ‘slow release’ energy for the ‘stressy’ over exuberant types that loose weight easily. SHOW MIX..HETM provides a little more energy with the same calm condition. BALANCED’ SALTS REPLACER supplies electrolytes in a form to be added to the feed, so that intake quantities can be monitored. It can also be added to drinking water in cases of severe sweat loss.

azoturia or tying up