What to Do If Your Horse Ties Up

You may have heard the phrase "tying up" before but do you know exactly what it is, how it can happen and what to do if it happens to your horse? Well thanks to this great article from Equus, we can share some facts with you so you can be prepared if your horse or another horse at your barn ends up tying up.

"Bringing a horse back into condition after some time off must be done carefully: He needs to work up a sweat to gain fitness, but too much exertion increases the risk of several serious complications, including tying up.'

'Tying up, technically called exertional rhabdomyolysis, refers to severe cramping of the large muscles of the hindquarters, back and, sometimes, the shoulders during or after exercise. In some cases, damaged or dying muscle cells can release enough toxic debris into the bloodstream to stress the kidneys. Extreme cases may be fatal.'

'Repeated tying up occurs in horses with two specific disorders characterized by cellular dysfunctions in the muscles: polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) and recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER). However, heat stress and/or electrolyte imbalances can cause virtually any horse who exerts himself to tie up under the right conditions. Here’s what to do (Equusmagazine.com)."

So what do you do? First be sure to call your vet ASAP! Do NOT move your horse. If you need to transport them, be sure to bring the trailer as close as possible to minimize steps taken. Offer hay or snacks to keep your horse comfortable. You can also bring a buddy to stand near them to keep them comfortable and as stress-free as possible. What else can you do? Click on the original article link here!

To learn more about our Medical ID bracelets to keep you safe in everyday situations and when the occasional accident happens, visit www.teamridesafe.com today!