Page 464 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

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VetBooks.ir MUSCLE DISEASE AND

NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

SKELETAL MUSCLE INJURY AND DISEASE

Introduction

The skeletal muscles attach via tendons to bones and work in a co-ordinated fashion to

control the voluntary movements of the horse’s body. They also act to support the body while
the horse is at rest. In order to do this they require:

• a good blood supply to provide oxygen and nutrients

• an intact nervous system.

Muscles are susceptible to a number of problems. These include:
• strains, tears and ruptures

• pain induced by pressure from poorly fitted saddles or bad riding

• muscle shortening and myofascial pain (see page 403)

• muscle atrophy (wasting)
• metabolic disorders

• functional abnormalities due to neurological problems.

The diagnosis of muscle problems is usually made from:
• the history

• gentle assessment of the horse’s neck, limbs and thoracolumbar spine to test the range of

movement and detect any pain or restriction
• observation of the horse at rest and in motion

• palpation for heat, swelling, pain, atrophy, fibrosis

• blood tests to check muscle enzyme levels (CK, AST, LDH, see pages 718–719) and

myoglobin