Nutritional considerations for equine myopathies

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where significant damage has occurred to the muscle and may be a symptom of a muscle disorder or myopathy. Rhabdomyolysis refers to the breakdown of muscle tissue, causing an elevation of muscle proteins in the blood and/or their excretion in the urine, along with significant muscle pain and stiffness. Some horses may also show reluctance to move or decreased work ethic, abnormal gait and movement and/or muscle atrophy, particularly in chronic cases. While there are several types of myopathies, this article will primarily focus on those associated with exertional rhabdomyolysis.