How Do You Diagnose Tying-Up Disease In Horses?
Tying-up syndrome is also called cording up and set fast disease, and it is also incorrectly referred to as exertion myopathy. It is a mild form of azoturia and manifests with similar symptoms, but not as profound. Tying-up appears in the skeletal muscles after prolonged and exhaustive physical activity. Often referred to as a muscle metabolism problem by veterinarians, it’s hard to determine its root cause. Immediately stop exercising your horse if his stride shortens and he cramps up and refuses to move. Examine him for profuse sweating, rapid pulse and elevated respiration. Promptly call the veterinarian for assistance. Determine if your horse will move. Most will not, but if he does and you note a stiff, stilted gait primarily in the hindquarters, you are likely dealing with tying-up disease. Stop the horse where he stands and wait for the vet. Examine your horse further for muscle trembling and cramping. This disease is normally more common in mares in heat but does affect gelding
