Tying up (Azoturia)

October 16, 2024

What is ‘tying up’?

‘Tying up’ also known as Azoturia is a term for a horse suffering from muscle damage. This condition is cramping of the muscles usually in the hindlimbs or back which occurs when muscles are not properly oxygenated.

What causes ‘tying up’?

There are many causes of ‘tying up’ which vary depending on your horse’s fitness and current level of work. Causes can include:

  • Increase in workload.
  • Demanding exercise in an unfit horse.
  • Returning to high-level work straight after 1+ days’ rest.

What are the signs of ‘tying up’?

Signs of ‘tying up’ include:

  • Firm, painful muscles usually in the gluteal, hamstring or back area.
  • Reluctance to move.
  • Sweating
  • Increased breathing (respiratory) rate.
  • Colic
  • Dark/orange-brown urine.

How is ‘tying up’ diagnosed?

‘Tying up’ is diagnosed based on history, clinical signs and a blood sample. Muscle enzymes and kidney parameters are checked on bloods to diagnose the disease, guide treatment options and monitor response to treatment.

How is ‘tying up’ treated?

If you are out riding when your horse ‘ties up’ then arrange for your horse to be collected on a trailer or lorry and contact the vet. Avoid moving your horse further than absolutely necessary to prevent further muscle damage.

While waiting for your vet steps you can take to help include:

  • Keeping your horse stabled in a quiet environment.
  • Providing plenty of water.
  • If you have salt/electrolytes these can also be given in a separate bucket of water (always provide plain water at the same time).

Veterinary treatment that is provided depends on severity of disease. This will often include:

  • Anti-inflammatory medication.
  • Fluids either oral or intravenous.
  • ACP (to calm fractious horses).

For recurrent episodes of ‘tying up’ or horses that do not respond to initial treatment further investigations may be required to check for an underlying muscle disease such as polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM).

How can I reduce the risk of my horse ‘tying up’?

‘Tying up’ can be prevented by:

  • Feeding a high fat, low carbohydrate diet.
  • Slowly re-introducing work after time off.
  • Slowly increasing demand when increasing your horses’ fitness level.
  • Vitamin E and selenium supplements can be useful in some horses but advice from your vet should be taken before supplementing to prevent overdosing.

Danielle Bowles BVMedSci (Hons) BVM BVS MRCVS

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