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  Discussion on Electolytes and not sweating
Author Message
Member:
Mosttime

Posted on Saturday, Jun 26, 2004 - 8:23 pm:

I've had an odd experience in the past 3 weeks. During a couple hot 90 degree days, my horse (TB 19 years old, Cushings) had a hard time with the heat. He came in from the field at the end of the day, breathing heavily, and it lasted for several hours, and finally with a couple of hose downs, he seemed normal. The weather then cooled off and the problem did not reoccur. However, trying to help him out, I put him on Acculytes, 1 scoop/day as package directed. In the next two weeks his level of sweating during work, even on hot days, gradually decreased until he was essentially not sweating at all except under the saddle pad. Normally, his whole body would be wet after a good workout. A few days ago, I reduced then eliminated the Acculytes, and amazing, almost immediately he began to sweat again and is sweating normally again. Could this have been due to the electrolytes? I thought that "it couldn't hurt" giving him the electolytes but since now reading your article, Dr. O, online here, realize that excess electrolytes may be a dangerous thing. Any experiences like this out there?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Jun 27, 2004 - 6:54 pm:

I am not sure there is a relation here Carole, The electrolytes should not effect the amount of fluid just the amount of salt in the fluid.

The temperature alone is not the only thing that effects the apparent amount of sweat, humidity and wind can both greatly influence both the absolute amount of sweat produced (the horse is cooler when the humidity is low and the wind up) and the apparent amount (less sweat is evident because it dries faster when the humidity is lower and the wind up) of sweat present.
DrO
Member:
Mosttime

Posted on Monday, Jun 28, 2004 - 8:38 pm:

Thanks for the reply, Dr. O. It must have been some sort of strange coincidence. I'll keep an eye out for it happening again. Thanks again!
New Member:
Aras

Posted on Sunday, Oct 8, 2006 - 8:49 pm:

To all concerned. Have you ever heard of putting
Gator aid in a horses water for electrolytes.
Kristin
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Sunday, Oct 8, 2006 - 9:59 pm:

Yes. Also Pediolite (sp?) which is used for children. I don't know how effective it is as far as the electrolites go, but with the right flavor it helps the horses drink water when they won't rink on the road or at a show.
Member:
Tpmiller

Posted on Monday, Oct 9, 2006 - 8:33 am:

Electrolytes are used extensively in the endurance community.

Each horse is different, as are the ratio contents among all the available pre-mixed brands. Obviously heat, humidity, and pace ridden in competition are additional factors.

As a group, ride vets will tell you imbalances will occur more frequently in cooler, wet weather, as some riders assume elytes are not necessary.

We use several brands (Enduramax- formulated by a vet who competes, marketed through KER, and LyteNow) alternating through a ride, primarily because of the differeces among brands in amount of potassium.

We administer immediately before going out after a vet hold, after the horse has drank, eaten, and hopefully pee'd and pooped. After administration, we always follow-up with applesauce , crushed carrots, maalox etc. and then a water rinse of mouth. They are taught to except syringe from mounted rider.

Good record keeping is essential.

Kristen- Once experimented with various flavors of powdered Gatorade. Our mares preferred Orange.
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