Rhabomyolysis
Equine Rhabdomyolysis Syndrome (ERS) is a metabolic disorder that is linked to glycogen accumulation during rest.
It is thought that glycogen accumulation increases muscle cell volume which in turn decreases capillary perfusion of muscle.
During exercise a lack of oxygen results in a build up of lactic acid which causes swelling of the muscle cells and therefore capillary constriction. Anoxia (lack of oxygen to the muscles) causes degeneration of muscle fibres. This is why Equine Rhabdomyolysis results in muscle pain and in severe cases permanent damage.
Symptoms of Equine Rhabdomyolysis Syndrome
The clinical symptoms of Equine Rhabdomyolysis include;
- Swollen, hard and sensitive gluteal muscles
- Reluctance to move
- Progressively shorter strides
- Pain
- Sweating
- Pawing
- Flanking
- General signs of distress
Myoglobinuria may also occur; this is when myoglobin is present in urine. Myoglobin is released as result of muscle damage and reaches the kidneys via the blood stream. This can lead to discoloration of the urine and in severe cases myoglobin may damage the kidneys leading to renal failure.
The onset of Equine Rhabdomyolysis usually occurs early on during exercise, after hard exercise or during a period of rest accompanied by high energy intake.
Can Niagara Equissage help with Equine Rhabdomyolysis?
Yes it can – but it must not be used until your veterinary surgeon has seen the horse. This is because if the massaging effect has a stimulatory effect on the kidneys but kidney function is impaired either by the presence of myoglobin and/or constriction of muscles, then use of Niagara Equissage will make the situation worse and cause more distress and discomfort especially if the horse wants to pass urine but is unable to do so.
However once the vet has administered drugs to relieve pain and help to promote muscular relaxation, and is happy with regard to kidney function, then Niagara Equissage can be used to encourage further muscle relaxation – although on a low setting (No. 2-No.3) to as not to have an over-stimulatory effect before the body can cope.
Once blood tests are satisfactory, then normal usage can commence. Using Niagara Equissage will help to promote correct kidney function, work to eliminate any remaining excess lactic acid and promote repair to damaged muscle fibres and capillaries.
Application
For equine rhabdomyolysis treatment, use the Back Pad for its 20 minute cycle but for just once a day. Using too often could over-stimulate kidney function and you do not want to put these already compromised organs under additional strain. The setting wants to be low to medium as a higher setting could cause too much activity within the body and encourage excess urination; treatment is aimed at restoring normal kidney function and muscular relaxation.
Niagara Equissage by its very design is a stimulatory tool so it is important in Rhabdomyolysis cases not to be tempted to try and speed up the healing process. Although just 20 minutes a day does not seem very much, the effects of a Niagara Equissage treatment continue in the body for several hours after the initial 20 minute cycle.
Once the horse is restored to health, then either a daily session can be maintained as part of your management programme or on alternate days to help reduce the risk of future Rhabdomyolysis occurrences.
Point to Note: Be sure that your feeding is in line with the work your horse is doing.
Testimonials
See All- World Equestrian Games Reining Gold Medalist
"The Back Pad is part of our daily maintenance for all of our show horses and we have found it to be an invaluable part of our program. With regular use, our horses start out much softer throught their bodies; we have fewer incidents of back soreness and are much happier overall. I love that the unit is so portable and that it is very easy to use. Thank you for this quality product and for your support!
- Champion British 3 Day Event Rider, Coach & Journalist
After 2 months on Brandes Formula and AfterAce, bill's wind which had always been thick since a nasty virus 3 years ago, has so improved that he took a mere 15 minutes to recover from going his fastest at Highclere's intermediate event. He also has dapples in his coat for the first time ever!! The sign of a healthy horse.
- International 3 Day Event Rider
Brandes Formula and AfterAce are incredibly useful and have shown fantastic results. The Brandes Formula gives my horses a real tonic and a huge boost when needed. They are able to cope with competition stresses and long distance traveling much better. The AfterAce has shown great improvement with soundness and joint conditions. I can see a real difference and all my top horses are on it.
