Exertional Rhabdomyolysis in Working Dogs

Exertional rhabdomyolysis, also known as "Tying-up syndrome", is a condition resulting from over-exertion. Symptoms are often seen in the shoulders, back and hamstrings as tightening muscles. The muscle contractions will be so fierce that blood supply to the muscle is cut off, which causes muscles cells to decay from lack of oxygen. Once the muscle begins to break down, the dying cells release a substance called myoglobin into the bloodstream which puts strain on the kidneys, causing them to work over time. When this happens, The dogs urine will often turn red and in severe cases, will result in kidney failure.

Within the canine industry, Exertional Rhabdomyolysis is most often seen in sled dogs, high-level working dogs and racing dogs. Dogs affected by the condition can be any age, ranging from puppy to senior. Rhabdomyolysis is more common in states with regular hot weather, especially if it is accompanied by high humidity levels, so it is important for owners and trainers with working dogs to be aware of the symptoms. Heavy distressed panting after a workout, red colored urine, quivering in the leg muscles, rock hard hamstring and back muscles and being unable to bend and move the hind legs properly, are all signs to look out for.

Prevention is really the most important key to avoiding Rhabdomyolysis. Understanding what the condition is and how it forms, we can make good decisions for our dogs to prevent this painful and sometimes deadly occurrence.

Warm-up

Warming up your pup is very important before a hard workout. A good warm up is essential for getting the muscles loose and ready to work. A good warm up for our working dogs consists of a 10 minute walk followed by stretching before a hard workout. some benefits of warming up are"

• Increased Muscle Temperature - The temperature increases within muscles that are used during a warm-up routine. A warmed muscle both contracts more forcefully and relaxes more quickly. In this way both speed and strength can be enhanced. Also, the probability of overstretching a muscle and causing injury is far less.

• Increased Body Temperature - This improves muscle elasticity, also reducing the risk of strains and pulls.

• Blood Vessels Dilate - This reduces the resistance to blood flow and lower stress on the heart. This also helps Oxygen circulate to the muscle tissue; well oxygenated muscles cells will prevent Exertional rhabdomyolysis.

• Increased Blood Temperature - The temperature of blood increases as it travels through the muscles. As blood temperature rises, the binding of oxygen to hemoglobin weakens so oxygen is more readily available to working muscles, which may improve endurance.

Cooling Out

Just as warming up is important, cooling down is also needed to keep our canine athletes in good sports health. in warm climates, a cool good down can consist of a 10-15 minute walk, allowing the dogs breathing to slow down before ending the cool down. If your pup is still in a state of heavy panting, you should keep cooling them out. After the cool down walk, dogs should be tied and stretched, watered, groomed, and have their feet checked for cuts or abrasions from the work out. In cold climates, while the dog is tied and cared for after a cool out walk, he/she should be covered in a cooler jacket to keep the body temperature from cooling too rapidly which will cause tight muscles. The benefits of cooling out are:

• Helps waste removal and decreases blood pooling

A demanding workout, as is common to any working dog program, generates metabolic wastes like lactic acid. These waste products are lodged in your dogs body all the way down to the individual muscle cells. The fluid that surrounds them–as well as the capillaries, veins, and lungs—need to be flushed out by the body before they rest or the dog will suffer from sore, tight muscles. In addition, vigorous exercise causes the blood vessels in the legs to expand, bringing more blood into the legs and paws. A sudden stop in exercise without a cooldown will cause the heart rate to slow abruptly and the additional blood can pool in your dogs legs and joints; a common issue with working dogs.

• Increases flexibility

One of the best times to work on your dogs flexibility is after their workout, as part of the cool-down. This is when the muscles are warmest and most pliable, making them easier to stretch and reach new levels of flexibility. Flexible muscles are less likely to become tight, especially to the point of oxygen deprivation which is the cause of dying muscles cells leading to Exertional rhabdomyolysis.

Vitamin E and Selenium Supplements

Selenium is a mineral found in the soil and naturally appears in water and some foods. However, due to exhausted soil and ill farming practices, many foods do not contain the adequate amount of selenium needed for our dogs dietary intake. Selenium is important to a working canine feeding program because it supports good kidney function and protects from toxicity. Better functioning kidneys will be able to filter myoglobins released by oxygen depleted muscle cells much better, hopefully preventing any major issues with Exertional rhabdomyolysis. Some other major benefits of Selenium are:

• Antioxidant- Selenium is a great antioxidant which can help prevent or lessen the effects of Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease, seizures, heart disease, arthritis and skin issues.

• Slows cellular aging- This mineral has been found to be able to slow down cellular aging caused by oxidation. It also promotes and preserves tissue elasticity; therefore, it can help maintain healthy membrane tissues. In addition, selenium helps maintain thyroid hormone levels and can combat inflammation.

• Anti-anxiety- Selenium has a calming effect in dogs will high anxiety.

Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that works with other antioxidants in the body to prevent oxidative damage. If vitamin E is present at appropriate levels, it helps maintain defense against disease and environmental insults. A deficiency of vitamin E results in damage to red blood cells, muscle, nerve cells and other cells in the body. Protecting the muscle cells and keeping them healthy is a good preventative measure against Exertional rhabdomyolysis. Vitamin E is used for improving physical endurance, increasing energy, reducing muscle damage after exercise, and improving muscle strength. Some other beneficial/preventative uses of Vitamin E are for:

• Cataracts

• Respiratory disorders such as COPD

• Skin disorders

• Cancer

Selenium should be taken with vitamin E because they work best together to help fight oxidative damage in your dog's body.

If we take care of our dogs and make a good workout program for them, we can prevent and lessen the effects of Exertional rhabdomyolysis. This is a horribly painful and sometimes lethal condition that we can avoid with proper education and training methods. A recap of preventative measures:

Do not work dogs excessively on hot summer days for long periods of time

Do cool out and warm up your pup!

Vitamin E and Selenium are great supplements for healthy athletic conditioning.

Hydration is KEY.

Stretch out those muscles!