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  Discussion on Lite Salt & Baking soda every day
Author Message
Member:
Penner

Posted on Sunday, Jun 29, 2003 - 5:26 pm:

Hi,

13 years ago when I moved here, a vet suggested that I give my horses in the summer (April thru Nov here) a combination of Lite Salt & baking soda for electrolyte supplementation once a day, in addition to a free choice white salt block.

I used to do this, then used a more expensive commercial version for awhile, then just left it at free choice salt, but seemed now over the past 2 years to have more episodes of colic (& per the new vet that I use, 2ndary to not drinking enough water).

So I want to resume doing this but I can't remember the proportions (ie: was it 1 teaspoon of each on the feed a day??)

I feed my guys bermuda/alfalfa pellet combo & grass hay in the proportion guidelines of 2# food for every 100# the horse should weigh. Also they get Costco glucosamine (great thread BTW! :-) ). Each one has a 80 gallon stock tank in their stalls with cool clean water (those deep stock tanks in the shade really stay nice & cool!).

It is 109 degrees here today with 10% humidity (will be 115 degrees on Tuesday), thats why the vet said do it everyday, even with a salt block & even if not ridden.

I've already had 1 episode May 31 of colic & am getting nervous about this, as its getting hotter & hotter here as the summer goes on.

Anyone remember the Lite Salt/baking soda proportions??

Thanks!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Jun 30, 2003 - 7:44 am:

The article associated with this forum gives a recipe based on sodium, potassium, and chloride requirements. Note the section on reqular suppplementation and our recommendations however.

In general oral bicarb (a mild alkali) supplementation in not helpful for anything more than very short acting situations. Acid/base balance of the blood is controlled long term by the kidneys but in the short term by respiration. By retaining or blowing off carbon dioxide small very rapid changes are made in blood ph. Your bicarb is just likely to make the system work harder.
DrO
Member:
Penner

Posted on Monday, Jun 30, 2003 - 12:49 pm:

OK,
Great Dr.O, I'll read that article right now & will not give bicarb supplement!

Thank you!
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