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Veterinary Manual

Find information on animal health topics, written for the veterinary professional.

Muscle Strain and Soreness in Horses

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Muscle Strain and Soreness in Horses

By Peter Clegg, MA, Vet MB, DipECVS, PhD, MRCVS, Professor of Equine Surgery, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Liverpool

Also see Myopathies in Horses.

Damage to the muscles is probably the most common cause of back soreness in horses. This most commonly involves the longissimus dorsi muscle, which acts to extend and laterally flex the vertebral column. All or part of the longissimus muscles usually are strained during ridden exercise, and clinical signs are associated with altered performance and acute or chronic back pain. The principal sites of damage are the caudal withers and cranial lumbar regions (just in front of and behind the saddle area). Most of these injuries respond to rest and physiotherapy, although several weeks may be needed for full recovery. Abnormalities of the thoracolumbar musculature are also frequently seen in exertional rhabdomyolysis (tying-up syndrome, see Exertional Myopathies in Horses).

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Test your knowledge

In all animals, the motor unit of skeletal muscle consists of the motor neuron, the neuromuscular junction, and muscle fibers. Muscle dysfunction—such as ataxia, paresis, or paralysis—most commonly originates in which of the following locations?