Muscle Disorders & Integrative Therapies

The modern horse faces chronic muscle disorders that historically we just didn’t see in the equine industry. Muscle disorders can be difficult to diagnose, as they often present with symptoms that we attribute to behavioral problems or other conditions early on.

Often these issues are overlooked for long periods of time before a veterinarian intercedes. Horse owners can empower themselves by being prepared to rule out a variety of conditions based on horse behavioral changes or symptoms that present.

Some such equine muscle disorders include:

Myofibrilar Myopathy – common in endurance horses and performance equines, symptoms include Back soreness, stiffness, and an unusual reluctance to move forward despite showing no obvious signs of lameness.

Muscle Atrophy (Muscle Wasting) – visual loss of muscle mass, commonly along topline. Symptoms can include weakness, poor performance, and an abnormal gait. This form of muscle disorder is frequently secondary to improper saddle fit, poor nutrition (such as Vitamin E or Selenium deficiency), or compensation for joint pain and hidden.

Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP)  - genetic electrolyte imbalance primarily seen in quarter horses, typically seen as sudden attacks of muscle tremors, weakness, or temporary paralysis. During an episode, you might notice twitching muscles in the face and neck, followed by a swaying, staggering walk or collapsing.

Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM – multiple types) – Affecting how muscles store glycogen, and often seen in draft types and quarter horses, this condition presents with muscle stiffness, twitching (fasciculations), a stilted gait, and mild colicky behaviors. It often appears after just 10-20 minutes of light work or even while the horse is resting.

Tying Up (Exertional Rhabdomyolysis) – Often appearing shortly after exercise, horses that are tying up will usually exhibit full-body cramping and pain. The large muscles on either side of the hindquarters become extremely rigid and rock-hard to the touch. Symptoms that present are often heavy sweating, rapid breathing, reluctance to move, and coffee-colored urine (due to muscle breakdown).

What about resolving these issues for the horse? How can we help them with the pain, discomfort and general daily challenges they face when it comes to common muscle disorders?

I have found that an integrative approach to bodywork is not only helpful to the horse’s overall wellbeing, but it is also incredibly helpful to maintaining that horse’s lifestyle.

So what do I mean by an integrative approach? I take a horse’s current veterinary treatment plan under the supervision of the vet, and pair it with powerful healing therapies rooted in alternative therapies and eastern medicine. I use techniques that target specific muscle groups, organs and tissues.

For example, for a horse with PSSM, I will use gentle, slow myofascial work as deeper work can be painful to the horse especially during a flare up. I’ll pair this with a consultation on how to feed and care for a PSSM horse so that equine owners can use my go-to products and resources for muscle tension, pain, and management. I like stretching exercises for PSSM horses as well, especially before and after exercise.

Areas often affected in PSSM horses:

• Topline

• Lumbar region

• Gluteals

• Hamstrings

• Shoulders

• Pectorals

  
  

Dynamic Stretching

Stretching is frequently recommended because PSSM horses often become stiff through the back and hindquarters.

Examples:

• Carrot stretches to each side

• Chin-to-chest stretches

• Chin-between-knees stretches

• Controlled hind limb stretches

• Tail traction (performed gently)

  
  

Note: Stretching should be done only within the horse's comfortable range of motion and never forced. Adequate stretching before and during work is commonly recommended for PSSM horses.

For a horse that regularly experiences Tying Up, I will often apply Acupressure using a red light (also known as photopuncture). This is rooted in Chinese medicine, and is the equivalent of acupuncture without the needles. I will also recommend strategic nutrition and a variety of management practices that will help these horses reduce inflammation, increase comfort, and improve performance. Electrolytes and magnesium are two things I recommend. I will also always recommend that these horses be tested for other muscle disorders, such as PSSM1, because the tying up is often a result of the other underlying illness.

Nutrition

• Eliminate or greatly reduce high-starch feeds (sweet feeds, large grain meals).

• Feed forage as the primary calorie source.

• Increase calories from fat when additional energy is needed.

• Maintain appropriate body condition; avoid obesity.

• Ensure adequate vitamin and mineral balance.

Exercise

• Daily turnout is often beneficial.

• Avoid multiple days off followed by intense exercise.

• Consistent exercise is generally better than intermittent work.

• Warm up thoroughly before demanding exercise.

All equines with muscle disorders can be helped immensely by strategic integrative bodywork and smart management practices. It’s just a matter of pairing the right techniques with a strategy that works for your horse’s unique needs.

Want to learn more? Contact me at hilltopequineconcepts@gmail.com.

Be Well. Be Horsemen. Be you.