Understanding Muscle Atrophy in Horses and Dogs: Causes, Prevention & Rehab

Muscle atrophy—literally “wasting away” of muscle tissue—can creep up on any athletic or companion animal. Left unchecked, it affects performance, mobility and overall well-being. Here’s what every horse or dog owner should know about how atrophy develops, how to spot it, and practical steps you can take (plus when to loop in a vet or a qualified physiotherapist).

What Is Muscle Atrophy?

Atrophy refers to a decrease in muscle mass, strength, and tone. This occurs when muscle fibres shrink due to insufficient use (disuse atrophy), loss of nerve supply (neurogenic atrophy), or when they break down faster than they regenerate (catabolic states).

Key causes:

• Disuse: stall rest, limb immobilization, chronic lameness, muscle imbalances i.e. compensating and using other muscles instead.

• Neurogenic: nerve injuries (e.g., radial nerve paralysis in horses; peripheral neuropathies in dogs).

• Systemic: metabolic disease, chronic pain, poor nutrition.

Spotting the Signs Early

You know your animal best. Look for subtle changes:

• Loss of muscle symmetry such as along the topline, hindquarters or withers.

• “Potholes” or "sunken" appearance along the neck, next to the spine or hollowing behind the shoulder.

• Weakness or uneven gait, reluctance to move up hills/over poles.

• Cold, firm muscle tissue on palpation or reduced range of motion

  
  

Take photos or video from the same angles every 2–4 weeks to track progress.

Atrophied horses back and hindquarters

Veterinary Assessment

Before launching into rehab, get a clear diagnosis:

• Physical exam & gait analysis to localise the problem.

• Diagnostic imaging (ultrasound or radiographs) may be done if there are suspected joint, tendon or nerve involvement.

• Bloodwork to rule out metabolic issues (e.g., Cushings, EMS in horses; endocrine disorders in dogs).

A vet’s input ensures you’re not chasing a symptom while missing a deeper issue and allows for treatment of the cause.

Core Rehab Modalities

Veterinary Physiotherapy

Certified animal physiotherapists (like myself) use:

• Passive range of motion (PROM) to maintain joint mobility.

• Massage & myofascial release to boost circulation and relax adhesions.

• Electrostimulation (NMES) to recruit muscle fibres directly in cases of nerve compromise.

• Hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill) may be suggested to encourage weight-bearing with minimal joint stress.

  
  

At-Home Exercise Plans

Consistency is your friend. Aim for daily or every-other-day sessions:

Horses:

1. Back stretches (DMEs): “chin to chest”, "neck extension" "lateral".

2. Pole work: encourages hindquarter lift and core engagement.

3. Hill work: short, gradual inclines primarily strengthen hind musculature, declines primarily strengthen forelimb musculature.

Dogs:

1. Sit-to-stand reps: build quadriceps and core stability.

2. Controlled leash-walks on varied terrain: gentle inclines, side-stepping, aids in proprioception.

3. Balance games: stand on wobble cushions or small platforms (start with 5–10 seconds).

   
   

Always warm up with 5–10 minutes of light movement, then cool down with gentle walking and passive stretches.

Nutrition & Supplement Support

Muscle repair demands amino acids, antioxidants and micronutrients:

• High-quality protein: forage-based balancers for horses; lean meats or specialized canine diets.

• Essential fatty acids (omega-3) to reduce inflammation.

• Key supplements:

• Creatine & L-carnitine for energy metabolism

• Vitamin E & selenium for antioxidant protection

• MSM for joint and soft-tissue support

  
  

Always discuss measurements with your vet and/or nutritionist to avoid nutritional imbalances.

Building a Long-Term Plan

1. Set measurable goals: e.g., “Restore 80% of right hind muscle bulk in 8 weeks.”

2. Log each session: note exercises, duration, your animal’s response.

3. Reassess every 4–6 weeks: compare photos, re-measure girth or limb circumference.

4. Adjust intensity gradually—add more reps, increase incline or introduce light resistance.

Real-World Example

Bella, a 10-year-old mare, developed disuse atrophy after a suspensory injury. Together we implemented:

• Twice-daily PROM sessions

• Graduated hill-walk program

• Gentle "Backing-Up" and "Pelvic Tilt" exercises several times through the week

• Adjusted her feeding plan to ensure her nutritional requirements were being met

• Weekly veterinary physiotherapy sessions to monitor progress, utilising NMES, global massage with key focus on the affected areas, red light therapy and exercise prescription (full compliance of owner).

  
  

  Within six weeks, her topline fullness had almost returned and she was back to light hacking without discomfort. Sessions have now reduced with regular check-ins to ensure we are still progressing.

Each animal is different and requires a specific treatment and exercise plan tailored to them. If you would like further information about this or feel we could help your animal, contact us to book an appointment.

References

1. Veterinary Practice News. “Muscle Atrophy in Dogs: Recognition and Rehabilitation.” https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/muscle-atrophy-in-dogs-recognition-and-rehabilitation/

2. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. “Hydrotherapy Applications in Equine Rehabilitation.” https://www.j-evs.com/article/S0737-0806(20)30124-6/pdf

3. World Small Animal Veterinary Association. “Canine Physiotherapy Guidelines.” https://www.wsava.org/Guidelines/Canine-Physiotherapy

4. American Association of Equine Practitioners. “Equine Muscle Atrophy: Diagnostics & Management.” https://aaep.org/horsehealth/equine-muscle-atrophy

Disclaimer This post is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian or a qualified animal physiotherapist before beginning any rehab or supplementation program.