What is the likely diagnosis for a horse that has "pulled up tight" after a run?

The diagnosis of exertional rhabdomyolysis, commonly referred to as "tying up," is indicated when a horse appears to have "pulled up tight" after exercise. This condition is characterized by muscle stiffness and cramping, which can result from intense exercise or an underlying metabolic issue. When a horse exhibits this behavior, it often indicates that the muscles are involuntarily contracting and not relaxing as they normally should after exertion.

In cases of tying up, affected horses may display signs such as increased heart rate, sweating, and difficulty moving. The condition typically results from a combination of factors including muscle fatigue, insufficient warm-up and cool-down, and certain dietary influences. Recognizing these symptoms promptly is essential for effective management and care of the horse.

The other conditions listed have distinct presentations and causes, which do not align with the symptoms described. For example, colic typically manifests as signs of abdominal pain, gastric ulceration usually leads to poor appetite and behavior changes without the evident muscle stiffness, and equine metabolic syndrome presents differently, often with signs related to obesity and laminitis rather than exercise-related muscular issues. Thus, the context provided by the symptoms specifically leads to exertional rhabdomyolysis as the most likely