This is what I understand so far:
Tying up is where the muscle tissue actually starts to self
destruct and puts myoglobin particles out into the blood stream.
These particles are seen as dark wine colored urine as the
broken down myoglobin is filtered out through the kidneys.
These particles are large and start to obstruct the kidneys
filterings properties. As the episode worsens, the kidneys
can actually become "clogged" and fail... like a filter that
gets clogged by too much dirt. After a certain point, this
damage is irreversable.
At what point is the damage irreversable? All of it? Or if
you catch it early can the kidney recover from what ever
assault they had to endure?
The horse in question showed no signs of cramping or even slowing
down. Just a dark colored urine that returned to normal within
an hour with rest and lots of water. We are certainly not
planning on repeating this mistake. Thanks.
- anonymous ;-)