Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis in horses is a muscle disorder triggered by exercise, leading to muscle stiffness, pain, and cramping.

Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis

This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly.

Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis is a disease which is associated with exercise, it causes muscle fatigue, pain, cramping and necrosis of skeletal muscle fibers. It is a subset of the Equine exertional rhabdomyolysis.

The cause is often tied to an abnormality in the intracellular calcium regulation.

Symptoms

  • Stiff posture
  • Trembling
  • Reluctance to move
  • Reduced performance
  • Lameness
  • Excessive perspiration
  • High respiration
  • High heart rate
  • Dark urine
  • Anxiety
  • Stressed

Common in

  • Thoroughbreds
  • Arabians
  • Warmbloods
  • Standardbreds
  • Young horses
  • Mares

Treatment

The treatment of Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis depends on the severity of the clinical signs. Exercise should be stopped immediately. If the signs are severe, intravenous fluids are necessary and analgesics might be indicated for pain.

The recommended treatment for less severe cases will be rest, fresh water and possibly tranquilizers or anti-inflammatories. Once the horse gains strength, you can gradually increase the amount of daily exercise. Supplementing the horse’s diet with sodium, selenium and vitamin E may also help.

If necessary, medications that affect intracellular calcium regulation, such as dantrolene 2- 4mg/kg given orally 1 hour before exercise may help.

Prevention

To prevent this disease, avoid stressful situations for the horse. Strenuous exercise that is sudden and not led by consistent and daily training should be avoided.

A change to a low-sugar and low-starch diet, which can be replaced by forage can help.

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