Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (Tying-up, RER)
Acute exercise-related breakdown of muscle fibres with painful stiffness, usually shortly after the start of work. Released myoglobin can darken the urine and burden the kidneys. The recurrent form (RER) is a disorder of muscle-contraction excitability and must be distinguished from the hereditary glycogen storage disorder PSSM.
Veterinary care required
This condition belongs in veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Compounds are at most supportive.
Priority · vet & management
Stop work at once, do NOT lead or lunge the horse on and have it veterinarily clarified (muscle enzymes CK/AST, urine check, possibly infusion to protect the kidneys). Further load management and diagnosis (RER vs. PSSM) belong in veterinary hands.
Possible causes
- · load above the training level, missing warm-up
- · a break after a high concentrate ration without reducing exercise
- · electrolyte/mineral imbalances
- · predisposition (RER), nervous type; distinction from PSSM
Supportive compounds · supplementary feed, not medication
Vitamin E
AMGFEI freeantioxidant for muscle cell membranes (discussed with proven deficiency)
Compound profile →Selenium
AMGFEI freeantioxidant, synergistic with vitamin E — only with proven deficiency, narrow therapeutic range (monitor levels)
Compound profile →Magnesium
AMGFEI freeneuromuscular excitability; discussed in the context of RER
Compound profile →Sodium chloride
AMGFEI freeelectrolyte replacement with sweat loss (adjunctive)
Compound profile →Linseed
AMGFEI freefat/energy source (omega-3) for a starch-reduced ration
Compound profile →Prevention
Increase load slowly and evenly, always warm up and cool down, adapt concentrates to the actual work and reduce them on rest days.
Equiterna's take
Equiterna clearly distinguishes exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER) from hereditary PSSM: both manifest as tying-up but differ in cause and management. Which form is present is clarified only by veterinary diagnostics.
Usage note
This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.
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