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Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.

YOU ARE OBSERVING

Muscle Tone Poor, Muscles Seem Soft

Summary

Generalized poor muscle tone is often found in poorly conditioned, confined horses or in horses that are debilitated, in chronically poor health, or are harboring infection. Localized muscle loss in one area often may be attributed to an injury, but can also result from specific illness.

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    Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment

your role

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What To Do

Evaluate your horse's general health, looking carefully for other abnormalities or signs of illness or disease, and share your findings and concerns with your vet. Your vet may suggest that they examine the horse and evaluate their management.

your vet's role

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Your vet begins with a physical exam. Blood work and other lab work may be helpful to get a sense of general health. They may perform an exercise test, in which they assess the horse's fitness level.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
  • What does the horse do for exercise?
  • Do you notice any other signs of a problem?
  • What is the horse's body condition?

Author: Doug Thal DVM Dipl. ABVP