All these etiological factors result in the disturbance of the osmotic and balance that exists between the extracellular fluid and the intracellular fluid. The imbalance causes disruption in the muscle cells’ ability to move into the sacroplasmic reticulum. Calcium thus remains available to bind to calcium binding site on the troponin molecules resulting in the prolonged exposure of the myosin binding site on the tropomyosin molecule to the myosin head of the thick filament there by causing prolonged contraction. Cramps are seen more often in weather, and in those horses competing in endurance events or excessively sweating. Individuals with known electrolyte imbalances or with respiratory or circulatory disturbances are predisposed to developing cramps when exercising. It is reported that clinically cramps are more commonly seen in mares than in other sexes. Clinical signs of a cramp include stiff gait, pain, pain on palpation of affected area, poor performance, reluctance to exercise, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, depression and increased TPR. Occasionally diaphragmatic flutter is associated with severe cramping.
Diagnosis can be made through clinical signs, palpation of affected muscles and blood analysis.
Treatment is to the horse, administer IV fluids and electrolytes and to monitor the horse while the cramp is acute. Once the cramp has subsided residual muscular inflammation and soreness can be treated through massage therapy, hydrotherapy and the application of therapeutic magnets.
Cramps can be prevented by proper conditioning and training of the horse. Ensuring proper hydration and mineral balance may also decrease the frequency and severity of cramps.
Contracture A contracture is the abnormal and pathological
of a muscle and its
associated tendons.
Contractures can be either acquired or congenital. Acquired contracture is almost always associated with or micro-injury of the MTU, scarring and adhesion formation, hypotonicity of antagonist muscles, nutritional imbalances and trigger point formation, while congenital contractures are usually associated with abnormalities such as fetal malpositioning and bone growth exceeding that of the musculotendinous unit. The pathogenesis for acquired contracture is intimately related to the way in which muscles heal. Areas of damage in a muscle are filled in with a connective tissue . As the scar tissue matures, it contracts pulling the undamaged edges of muscle tissue closer together. The scar shortening acts to reduce the overall length of the muscle in relation to the bones it connects to causing any joints it crosses to be permanently held in slight flexion and to reduce range of motion.
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