Azoturia

Charlie, a 6 year old cross bred gelding, was referred to the Royal Veterinary College Equine Hospital for investigation of recurrent bouts of azoturia. These bouts had been occurring since the horse was 2 years old (or first in training) and occurred as episodes of stiffness and pain of varying degrees. The episodes were distressing to the horse and owner, making exercise and training very difficult.

At the Hospital, a special exercise test was performed that confirmed that he did, indeed, have abnormal muscle enzymes in his blood. A muscle biopsy was taken that confirmed Charlie's muscle disease. He was initially treated with medication, while a new diet and exercise regime were introduced and since then he is being managed long term on his new management schedule. The picture below is taken a year later, with Charlie at his first one day event and 2 years later he is still going well.