tying Up?

[Warmblood95]

Hi there, my horse had two days box rest, she then went out in the field and two hours later was unable to move her back legs, however she was not seeming to be in pain. I had the vet out who gave her a muscle relaxant and we managed to get her in from the field and the vet took bloods. He called to say the levels were high. She’s been on box rest for a week with in hand walks, however when her bloods were re tested they were high still. The vet is now suggesting a muscle biopsy. Does anyone else have any experience with this as it could be tying up? What else could I do to help her recovery? I was feeding her lots of middlings to fatten her up, which the high wheat content might have contributed. Any help or advice appreciated!

 

[Clueless]

There are many more knowledgeable people here, and I just want to suggest some reading based on my horses recent diagnosis of PSSM type 1. This is a genetic condition that leads to muscle spasms and tying up / raised muscle enzymes. He’s been niggling along with minor issues until a change of hay to haylage (we think) triggers an episode. There are several syndromes that are similar. They can be diagnosed by blood tests, hair tests and muscle biopsy. It may be worth asking the vet what they suspect, or what range of possibilities they would test for. I’ve learned a lot in a month, and there are some breed specific conditions. I’m still hoping for a good outcome based on diet, supplements and exercise, so Im Pleased we have a diagnosis.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Take a look through this recent thread:

https://forums.horseandhound.co.uk/threads/tying-up-myopathy-feeling-anxious.784005/

 

[Warmblood95]

Thank you both so much for your replies, I’ve got lots of reading to do now but I’d rather know as much as I can about it. Thank you

 

[NOISYGIRL2]

Mine had it and was off the scale, he had bloods take frequently and was not allowed out of his stable until they came down, I think he was in about 4 to 6 weeks, make sure diet high fibre low starch, when he has recovered, make sure you warm up properly with an exercise sheet and cool down properly after, I used to walk for 20 mins before doing anything else and cool down the same. This was years ago I think I put him on naf D-Ty they do a liquid version now aswell I think.

The reason mine got it was because he was fit at the time and I had an operation so he had 3 weeks off so had it when I rode him the 1st time after that, also called Monday morning sickness for when hunters were out all day hunting then had sunday off, worked Monday brought it on

 

[SEL]

SpottyCob has a really good thread going right now on PSSM type 1 which covers a lot of the tying up info.

Given your user name is your horse a warmblood? In which case you are probably looking at another variant of PSSM or RER. Box rest isn't really recommended as a recovery mechanism from tying up these days (very few vets stay up to date on the subject unless they have clients with horses that tie-up regularly). Gentle walking is better and turnout ideal unless your horse is likely to be silly.

It could be a one-off due to the overload of starch from the feed. The vet is recommending a biopsy to see if it is a genetic issue in which case it will require ongoing management.

Antioxidants are your friend in terms of recovery, along with a low sugar / starch diet. Natural vitamin E (forage plus, progressive earth, equimins) and I tend to find milk thistle helps the liver process the toxins. Salt / electrolytes - just don't use any that are really high in dextrose. Magnesium can help with muscle relaxation too and B12 is often recommended.

 

[Warmblood95]

Thank you both for your replies they both have lots of helpful info and things to look into.
I called the vets today and asked to speak to the lead vet and he was super helpful. She is a warmblood like you guessed! And with Christmas and my holiday she had some time off work and he seems to think it was a one off combination of too much feed and not enough exercise. He said the best thing for her would be to be out in the Field, so I sedated her today and put her out for a few hours and will continue to turn her out. He said he still wants to do a biopsy just to double check nothing else is going on though, just to be safe. I guess I’m lucky she can return to normal and still jump etc and it’s something that can be controlled and managed.

 

[TheSpottyCobby]

I’m the one in the aforementioned thread *waves*
There is so much to read up on and so much advice, there’s some very supportive Facebook groups as well. Even if it isn’t PSSM that your mare has there is lots of info which will be useful for you in terms of future management.
My boy has just come into work again this week, lots of walking but I’m hopeful as you are that we will be able to get back to doing what we love.