Hypothyroid and Tight Muscles

[McMaster <mcmaster@reach.net>]

Hi ridecampers,
I have a mare who has a very cresty neck and fat above her tail.  She is
not overly fat however, and she also has a healthy, shiny coat.  I have
had her tested for hypothyroidism and according to the vet, she is just
on the borderline.
A few years ago this mare did have quite dark urine after a ride in hot
weather, in which she worked twice as hard as necessary as we fought one
another during the ride - she wanted to run and I wanted to go slower!
She did not tie-up and went on to complete several other rides that
season.
I have noticed that she seems to have tighter muscles in her croup than
all my other horses, even though she has not been worked over the
winter.
She does not get much grain, even when working hard, because I worry
that she might founder (the cresty neck thing)  She maintains her weight
but does look somewhat drawn up, tucked, after work sometimes.
I have read that there is a relatioship between hypothyroid and muscle
problems, but can't seem to find an explaination for it.  Should she be
on thyroid drugs?  What type of feeding program would help?  She is a
great mare who never quits, but I need to know how to keep her heathy.
Thanks for any forthcoming information.

Helen McMaster,
Ontario, Canada.


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