Using Electrolytes to Avoid Equine Dehydration

For heat dissipation and body cooling, a horse trotting at 11.2 mph loses about 3.3 gallons of sweat per hour under moderate conditions. The salts/electrolytes sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium and calcium are also lost with this loss of fluid. These electrolytes are responsible for the transfer of water through cell membranes, for nerves to fire and muscles to contract. Large losses of electrolytes can result in several neuromuscular and systemic disturbances including muscle cramping, tying up, synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (thumps) and systemic alkalosis.

Our goal as the equine caretaker is to prevent electrolyte imbalance and dehydration in the performance/stressed horse thru proper fluid and electrolyte replacement. Balance can greatly prolong reaching the point of fatigue and also decrease recovery time.

If you're feeding a well formulated commercial ration intended for a performance horse, the chances are good that they've met the electrolyte needs of the lightly to moderately worked horse, under most conditions (always make plain salt available). Electrolyte availability can become a problem when the rate of loss exceeds the rate of replacement. If the horse sweats for a prolonged period of time, due to extreme weather conditions (high humidity, high heat), prolonged exercise (endurance type work), heavily worked/trained horses (race horses in training) or stressed horses (transporting), electrolyte needs will not always be met through their feed. For these horses, electrolyte supplementation becomes necessary to maintain body functions at an optimum level and to increase water intake preventing dehydration. Electrolytes should not be given to a horse that is already dehydrated, except under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Horses do not "store" sodium, potassium or chloride. Adding daily electrolyte supplementation would not be necessary, when feeding a balanced feeding program, unless the horse is being worked/trained hard daily and losing a large amount of sweat. When preparing for an event, choose an electrolyte formula that is palatable/acceptable to your horse, and don't wait until the day of the competition to find out. Use caution if adding electrolytes to water due to the possibility of decreased water consumption.

There are lots of opinions about appropriate administration schedules and dose rates. Follow the instructions per the brand that you choose. Learn and adjust to your horses specific needs and weather conditions. Train your horse to the level needed for the event. Increased electrolytes will not replace proper conditioning.

Electrolytes containing bicarbonate are formulated for horses with diarrhea. These can be harmful when used as an electrolyte supplement for stress and exercise.

Feeding electrolytes without proper water consumption will cause water to be absorbed from the bloodstream into the intestine, resulting in greater dehydration. From a non-working to a heavy working saddle horse, the water intake can increase 7 ? 10 gallons/day. Check for signs of dehydration regularly and don't wait until your horse looks dehydrated to administer electrolytes. Learn to perform skin pinch, capillary and jugular refill and mucous membrane testing as well as listening for gut sounds. Continue with electrolyte supplementation when the event is completed to aid in recovery if necessary.

http://www.tdihorsefeeds.com
800-457-7577
Edna L. Morris

New York Daily News
Pets weather Gustav well
Detroit Free Press, United States - Sep 4, 2008
Early reconnaissance by rescuers allowed into storm-damaged areas indicates the vast majority of pets were evacuated with their owners, and thousands of ...
Pets’ hurricane plan needed Cay Compass
When storms threaten, consider pets' safety, too Gulf Breeze News
Gustav Pet Evacuations Show Katrina Lessons Learned National Geographic
News Courier - WDSUall 412 news articles

City mulls making it law to spay, neuter pets
Houston Chronicle, United States - 6 hours ago
Have your pet spayed or neutered." Some, including Mayor Bill White, have floated the possibility of following in the footsteps of Los Angeles, which passed ...

Retail's next big thing - pets
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - 10 hours ago
The imminent opening of pet superstore Pets at Home at Melbourne's retail mecca, Chadstone shopping centre, is a significant milestone in the life of the ...

Taking Pets To The Vet For The First Time
Imperial Valley News, CA - 8 hours ago
Imperial, California - Pets often seem to have limitless energy and robust constitutions, but don't let this fool you: They are susceptible to all sorts of ...
Rohnert Park Vet Writes Book Santa Rosa Press Democrat
all 2 news articles

Barney's Bling Announces Launch of Matching Diamond Jewelry for ...
PR Web (press release), WA - 4 hours ago
Barney's Bling, matching jewelry for people and pets using real diamonds and precious metals announces the launch of their online store. ...

KAALtv.com
Presidential politics for pets?
KAALtv.com, MN - 6 hours ago
At a recent Barack Obama rally, Sharon Young, an entrepreneur from Kansas City, discovered the idea of making campaign buttons for pets. ...

Doctors Foster and Smith and Midwest Airlines Join Forces to Make ...
MarketWatch - 23 hours ago
RHINELANDER, Wis., Sept 04, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- When equipped with the right information and tools, airline travel with pets can be as simple as ...
Flying with Pets? Here’sa Link You’ll Love Cheapflights.com
all 7 news articles

San Francisco Chronicle
Remembering childhood pets
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 19 hours ago
As I drove my children and Simba home, I remembered the pets from my childhood. There was Lollipop, a gray and white tabby; Hammy the hamster, who bit holes ...

Americans pick pet over partner for desert island
Reuters - 20 hours ago
NEW YORK (Reuters) - More than two thirds of Americans would rather be stranded on a desert island with their pet than with their partner, a poll showed on ...

Where To Take Your Pets
Live 5 News, SC - 14 hours ago
CHARLESTON COUNTY (WCSC)--- State regulations for South Carolina says that the three Charleston County shelters are not able be able to take pets. ...
Shelters opened in Charleston County Live 5 News
all 2 news articles

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

Living With a Pet Serval