I Think Barbaro Should Be Put Down

[Danzig]

here, i did a search.....

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/002414.htm

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by Danzig188

here, i did a search.....

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/002414.htm

Thanks, Danzig! Very interesting.
(GR raises hand)
So, it's added to feed to try to prevent gastro-intestinal disorders? I see now what it does for (and to) humans, but how, specifically, does it benefit/adversely affect the equine?

[Danzig]

did another search.....

http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/s...cle.cfm?id=181

[Danzig]

in a nutshell...


Clinically, selenium deficient horses will often 'tie-up,' a degenerative condition of the
muscles also known as rhabdomyolysis," says Dr. Scoggins. "It can affect the heart muscle,
the muscles of respiration, as well as the large muscles of the

back and limbs. It can also cause a decrease in the efficiency of the immune system, leading
to opportunistic infections."

A horse that has rhabdomyolosis will have severe muscle cramps resulting in sweating,
stiffness, and increased pulse. The breakdown of muscle cells can result in coffee-colored
urine. "Do not walk a horse that is tied up," stresses Dr. Scoggins.

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by Danzig188

in a nutshell...


Clinically, selenium deficient horses will often 'tie-up,' a degenerative condition of the
muscles also known as rhabdomyolysis," says Dr. Scoggins. "It can affect the heart muscle,
the muscles of respiration, as well as the large muscles of the

back and limbs. It can also cause a decrease in the efficiency of the immune system, leading
to opportunistic infections."

A horse that has rhabdomyolosis will have severe muscle cramps resulting in sweating,
stiffness, and increased pulse. The breakdown of muscle cells can result in coffee-colored
urine. "Do not walk a horse that is tied up," stresses Dr. Scoggins.

That's REALLY interesting (I am always fascinated how different minerals and vitamins affect the body's workings). Thank you!

So if you shouldn't walk a horse that is tied up, what should one do?... Wait, I should go read the second article myself, huh? I'll go do that now.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

That's REALLY interesting (I am always fascinated how different minerals and vitamins affect the body's workings). Thank you!

So if you shouldn't walk a horse that is tied up, what should one do?... Wait, I should go read the second article myself, huh? I'll go do that now.

i don't think it says what you should do....

fluids and a blanket for starters i'd imagine. and call the vet.

back to google...

[Danzig]

Tying Up
PREPARED BY: Cheryl Sutor [1998]


The following list contains the possible symptoms of Tying Up. Tying up is usually exercise-related. Symptoms below are most likely to appear within the first 1/2 hour of work. Some horses may not exhibit all symptoms. Tying up seems to be more common in young Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds who are either not fit or high strung, however, it can occur in any breed.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Most common symptoms:
Obvious discomfort
Abnormally short strides, muscle stiffness
Difficulty in movement. Horse may refuse to move
Muscle hardening/contracting with hindquarter spasms, mostly in croup area
Elevated pulse & respiration

Possible additional symptoms:
Flaring of the nostrils
Slow capillary refill time
Pawing
Pale gums
Sweating
Short, stiff gait
Brown colored urine


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Management of Tying Up

Call your veterinarian immediately. Ask the veterinarian if you should administer any treatment prior to his arrival. Ask what you may do to comfort your horse until he arrives.

Do NOT move your horse! Moving your horse even a few steps may make the condition even worse. However, you do want to keep him on his feet.

Protect the horse from chills by using a blanket.

Encourage the horse to drink, it will help flush his kidneys of waste.

Why do horses become Tied-up?

A horse becomes tied-up when his muscles have been overworked. The muscles become damaged from toxic by-products that are produced during the work. These toxic by-products are produced from the blood's inability to carry enough oxygen to the muscles. High glycogen content and abnormal polysaccharide in the muscles. Sometimes, defective calcium regulation. When a horse ties up repeatedly, it may lead to kidney damage.

What can you do to prevent Tying-up?

Feed a low or no-carbohydrate diet with high fat. Warm up and cool down your horse properly with at least 15 minutes of walking. Don't exercise the horse to a point where it is stressful. Provide turnout as often as possible.