A Case of Exertional Rhabdomyolysis in an 11-year-old Argentine Mare ‎

Abstract

Exertional Rhabdomyolysis is an imbalance between the animal's diet and its workload, especially when on a high-grain diet. An 11-year-old Argentine mare weighing 360 Kg was presented with a complaint of pyrexia, anorexia, pointed stance and stiff gait, reluctance to move and trembling when compelled to walk. On physical examination, body condition score of 2.5/5, excessive sweating, stiff hind quarters, and reluctance to move were observed. On clinical examination, the animal showed tachypnea, congested ocular mucous membrane and a temperature of 38.9^oC. Blood sample was taken for complete blood cell count and biochemical test. The result of haematological test was within normal range while the biochemical test revealed hypoglycemia, hypochloremia, hyponatremia and hypokalemia.  The levels of calcium, creatine kinase and bicarbonate were higher than the normal range. A diagnosis of azoturia was made based on history, clinical signs and laboratory test. The movement of the horse was restricted and it was treated with 0.6 mg/kg meloxicam daily for 5 days, 0.2mg/kg dexamethasone daily for 2 days, 12 ml of VitESe daily for 3 days and 60ml of Promin^® daily for 3 days. The horse was given gentle walking exercise and low carbohydrate diet during the treatment period and normal function of the horse gradually returned 4 weeks after presentation. It was concluded that exertional rhabdomyolysis can be managed by administration of analgesic and anti-inflammatory, restricted carbohydrate diet and limited exercise until muscle function returns to normal.