Tying-up - what can cause it?

[Ludi-doodi]

OK dummy alert here!

Friends horse, we and first vet, thought had a slight colic on sunday evening, although got better and pooing etc still wasn't quite right yesterday. Vet came again, took bloods and after tests said although colic and tying up looked very similar in blood results, he thought horse had actually tied up. By the owners own admission this isn't a horse that is worked hard! What else can cause this? Horse had been diagnosed about 2 months ago with a virus and was given some time off. He came back quite well and even pinging around a bit too much for owner's liking! However on Sunday, was very low and although went on a short hack rider said he had to be pushed the whole way round.

I have it in the back of my mind that it can also be caused by too much protein - therefore could haylege cause tying up?

Any explanations gratefully received.

G

 

[kerilli]

there are lots of possible reasons, your friend really needs to talk it through with the vet. haylage protein %ages vary, as hay ones do, so i doubt that's the sole culprit... if it is at all. i'd look at what he's being fed as hard feed too.

 

[TGM]

There is a good article here:

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/horsecare/article.php?aid=65612

plus at the end of the article you will find links to further information on the subject.

 

[Lucy_Nottingham]

the reason there are high levels of protein in the blood with tying up is due to mucle breakdown due to the process of tying up.
The high protein levels in the diet may result in similar appearance signs but I doubt there would be sufficient protein in the diet to cause it, however the vet may have to assess the quality of the horses feed.

If the horse was on a break and then was brought back into work too quickly then that could be a big culprit!

 

[Birker2020]

The horse could also be suffering from PSSM or EPSM (same sort of thing).

 

[royal]

Many many things can cause this....box rest, box rest without the level of hard feed being adjusted, too rich pasture, as applecart said EPSM (Equine Polysacchride Storage Myopathy), too much energy in the feed versus amount needed for work etc etc...

But, if your friends horse did tie up (did the vet test the horses CK and AST levels?), she needs to be aware that once a horse has had an attack, they usually become prone to it and will also require careful management from now on in terms of feed (as little starch/sugars as possible, high oil can be beneficial), careful management of exercise ie: sufficient warming up/cooling down, as much turn out as possible etc etc...

Good luck with it all...my horse had her first attack 2 1/2 years ago, followed by 2 more however since moving to a yard with all year turnout and carefully managed fields, she is doing really well (touch wood!).