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Returning the Horse to Work
A horse may be returned to work after it is no longer showing signs of ER, and
is no longer on NSAIDs--which can hide signs of another bout of ER. If NSAIDs
are needed to keep the horse comfortable, or if the horse is reluctant to
continue work, the animal is not yet ready for a return to his regular training
program. Blood tests should reveal that the horse's CPK concentration and AST
levels are normal before returning the horse back to work.
To begin bringing the horse back, he should be exercised at the walk and trot
for 10-15 minutes at least once every day. This regimen will gradually be
increased as the horse becomes more willing. For a moderate or severe bout of
ER, this may take 4-6 weeks to return to the regular program. It is important
not to push the horse more than he is ready or a relapse may occur. A second
bout of ER is usually more severe than the first, not only taking the horse out
of training for a longer time, but possibly causing permanent muscle damage.
Grain is gradually reintroduced as exercise resumes, but grain can contribute to
the development of ER.
Prognosis for ER
For mild to moderate cases of ER, the prognosis is excellent, with the horse
successfully returning to its former level of competition. However, if the vet's
recommendations for preventing ER are not followed, ER may likely reoccur.
Horses who experience a severe case of ER (the muscle degeneration is
significant) are less likely to return to their previous level of competition,
as fibrosis may have occurred which would result in loss of muscle function. The
prognosis is guarded for these horses.
Prevention of ER
Diet
Reducing any extra energy in a horse's diet is essential to maintaining a horse
that has experienced ER. Decreasing carbohydrates and increasing the daily
intake of hay or pasture can usually accomplish this. Grain may need to be cut
out altogether and replaced by a substitute, such as vegetable oil, to meet the
individual energy needs of the horse.
Grain should be reduced or removed from a horse's ration on days when he cannot
be worked.
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