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Electrolytes
is the term used to describe the essential minerals which
are present in the body, and which can be lost through sweat.
The replacement of these minerals is often thought to the
primary aim, hence the use of in-feed electrolytes. However,
the working horse's first need is for fluid; good old water
to you and me.
With the height of the summer now fast approaching, the
competitors among us should spare a thought for the fluid
and electrolyte replenishment of our horses and ponies.
It is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security and
assume that because temperatures are not subtropical our
horses will not be greatly affected by fluid loss through
sweating. However, just 2% fluid loss (equivalent to approximately
6 litres in the average horse) can affect performance. This
may manifest itself as tiredness towards the end of an event,
taking longer to recover after strenuous exercise or, at
the worst, may predispose to more serious conditions such
as tying up. Windy weather may dry horses off quicker, but
will also mask the amount of fluid lost.
Of course it is not just during hard work that horses lose
fluid. Travelling, particularly with other horses over long
distances in warm weather, or at any time of the year in
poorly ventilated transport, can cause significant fluid
loss. For some horses, the stress of travelling or stabling
away from home can bring its own problems, including additional
fluid loss and decreased water intake. Any horse which has
a gut upset, leading to scouring will also be a candidate
for electrolyte replacement.
In a palatable form, powdered electrolyte will be readily
taken dissolved in water, thereby rectifying two needs in
one. Be aware that whilst such a preparation can also be
offered in feed, if a stressed horse shows a reluctance
to drink, the problem will be worsened. The concentration
of minerals in the body will be increased through the horse's
inability to dilute them with consumption of fluid.
The aim should be for the horse to drink an isotonic or
hypotonic solution. We all know the word isotonic, after
all many of the trendy human sports drinks use this description.
It is a term which describes a fluid containing minerals
in concentrations which replicate those present in the body.
This enables more efficient absorption as the horse's system
does not have to dilute or concentrate the solution. Hypotonic
describes solutions which contain minerals in a weaker solution
than the body's own.
Check the pack for an indication of the content of minerals
in a typical dose. Many on the market will suggest, for
example, that a small dose of an already weak mineral formula,
will replenish the required nutrients. Choose one with adequate
supplies of carbohydrate in the formulation, to help carry
the minerals across the gut wall. Glucose confers a pleasant
taste, dissolves rapidly in water and is easily absorbed.
One can think that it is only eventers and endurance horses
which are the main candidates for needing electrolytes,
after all they are the ones working hard enough to sweat
seriously. Dressage horses can lose significant fluids through
the intensity of their work. In addition they can take longer
to cool down quickly due their bodily mass.
Points to bear in mind:
* Water is the first need for dehydrated horses.
* Water containing electroytes should always be offered
alongside plain water in case a horse is reluctant to drink
treated
water.
* Choose an electrolyte with added carbohydrate to facilitate
rapid absorption.
* An isotonic formula will be more rapidly absorbed and
help rapid re-hydration
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