Nonexertional Rhabdomyolysis

Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2025 Apr;41(1):95-110. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2024.11.002. Epub 2025 Jan 31.

Abstract

Although horses most commonly develop exertional rhabdomyolysis, there are numerous causes for nonexertional rhabdomyolysis (nonER) that pose a serious health threat to horses. Their etiologies can be broadly categorized as toxic, genetic, inflammatory/infectious, nutritional, and traumatic and a variety of diagnostic tests are available to discern among them. This study discusses causes of nonER as well as diagnostics and treatments that are specific to each etiology. General treatment of acute rhabdomyolysis is covered in detail in the study in this issue on sporadic and recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis.

Keywords: Muscle disease; Myoglobinuria; Myopathy; Myositis; Tying up.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Horse Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases* / etiology
  • Horse Diseases* / therapy
  • Horses
  • Rhabdomyolysis* / diagnosis
  • Rhabdomyolysis* / etiology
  • Rhabdomyolysis* / therapy
  • Rhabdomyolysis* / veterinary