Equine Exertional Rhabdomyolysis Study Guide
Overview and Clinical Importance
Exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER), commonly known as "tying-up," "azoturia," or "Monday morning disease," is a syndrome characterized by exercise-associated skeletal muscle damage resulting in muscle pain, stiffness, and reluctance to move. The term rhabdomyolysis literally means "dissolution of striated muscle." This condition has been recognized in horses for over 100 years and remains a significant performance-limiting or career-ending disorder for many equine athletes. ER represents a high-yield topic for the NAVLE due to its clinical significance, breed predispositions, and complex pathophysiology involving both sporadic and heritable forms.
The syndrome encompasses multiple distinct conditions with different underlying causes but similar clinical presentations. Understanding the classification, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of each form is essential for NAVLE success and clinical practice.
Classification of Exertional Rhabdomyolysis
Exertional rhabdomyolysis is broadly classified into two categories based on the underlying etiology:
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