About Azoturia
Azoturia is a multifactorial myopathy in horses that is usually but not always associated with exercise and is also known as "Monday morning disease", "Tying Up" and "Equine Rhabdomyolysis Syndrome".
Causes of Azoturia
Azoturia can develop rapidly and most often occurs when a horse in hard work is given a rest day without having its working diet reduced.
It was previously thought that Azoturia occurred due to increased lactic acid levels leading to muscle fatigue and cramps, but more recently it has been concluded that Azoturia is due to a metabolic abnormality in muscle cells and so some horses have an underlying susceptibility to the condition which can be triggered by one or more exercise related factors.
Mares coming into heat may also be prone to Azoturia.
Symptoms of Azoturia
As Azoturia develops, when exercised the muscles of the horse over the loins and quarters harden resulting in cramps and muscular stiffness. The horse's stride becomes shorter, it staggers behind and then goes lame and may collapse if work is continued. The horse has a high temperature and sweating may be evident. Examination of the hindquarters will show stiffening. In severe cases the myogolobin released from the damaged muscles turns the urine dark red.
Prevention of Azoturia
Regular exercise with warming up and cooling down periods together with only the necessary amount of feed will help to prevent Azoturia.
Treatment of Azoturia
The horse should be dismounted and made to rest where it is and veterinary advice should be sought immediately.
Treatment for Azoturia may consist of a laxative diet, anti-inflammatories, a sedative, muscle relaxers and massage of the affected muscles. A low energy diet should be fed and the horse may also require a few days rest.
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