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  Discussion on AnhiDrOsis
Author Message
Member:
halln5

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 26, 2014 - 6:29 pm:

Hi Dr. O.
I am very concerned about my 6 year old Drum horse. He underwent colic surgery at the end of June of this year. He has been recuperating at my small place before going back to the boarding barn. His recovery from surgery has been textbook.
I live in southern Illinois--we have had 95+ degree temps for over a week now and 3 days ago, Tempe stopped sweating. I read your article, I have talked to the vet that did the surgery and he indicated there really isn't a whole lot I can do other than move to a more reasonable climate.
He is not depressed, breathes rapidly,passes the pinch dehydration test but is not drinking well, He seems his normal self as far as mugging me for food and is interested in food like always.
So, I have a few questions. Since this the first time he has shown this, what is your current recommendation to try and curb it becoming permanent?
He has access to cool water, shade and fans.
I have not taken his temp but I plan to tonight
.
What is the worst case scenario? Heat stroke?

My vet did mention OneAC but also said it takes 2-3 weeks to become effective and then, hopefully, the temps will be reasonable again.
I read what you said about electrolytes, so it sounds like I should not give him those.
I have also heard that giving a horse a Guiness Stout Ale makes them sweat. Any advice there?

I apologize for this being so long. I am very attached to this guy and was so pleased with his recovery from surgery--then this came about.
Thanks,
Vicki
Member:
halln5

Posted on Friday, Aug 29, 2014 - 10:35 pm:

Tempe is still not much interested in water. He drinks very little for his size and for the weather. I have increased his salt intake (a couple of tablespoons loose salt per feeding) and he is now on the OneAC. I also am trying giving him a beer a day (Guiness Stout) as that is something my vet said I could try. It is supposed to encourage sweating.
Tempe was completely dry today when I came home from work. Respiration was 48. But it was a little cooler today.
Am I missing anything that I should be trying?
Member:
kathleen

Posted on Saturday, Aug 30, 2014 - 12:27 pm:

Don't know that I can help you, but I have a 28 yr old Arab mare with Cushing's who has been going thru bouts of AnhyDrOsis this year, although she has shown signs of slight occasional sweating. We are in Texas where it is hot and humid. Her resp range from mid 30's to mid 80's. It gets a bit scary at times but she seems to be handling it. We got a misting fan and she stands in front of it when she gets too hot and we still cold hose her at least once a day. My vet just told me of a different product that two of his clients used that worked when OneAC didn't work. It is called Omega Mega Sweat and you order it directly from the manufacturer. We just started Mona on it so don't know if it is going to work.
Member:
halln5

Posted on Saturday, Aug 30, 2014 - 12:47 pm:

Thanks, Kathleen. Dr. O--do you have any suggestions? Everyone says, "You've got to get him drinking." But I want to know how to make a horse drink!
Member:
halln5

Posted on Saturday, Aug 30, 2014 - 12:49 pm:

Also, Kathleen--I will check out the Omega Mega Sweat. I'm ready to try anything. Also trying to find someone to do acupuncture on him.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Sep 1, 2014 - 6:17 pm:

Hello Vicki,
I have many suggestions but they are all in the article associated with this discussion and already written out for you.

In general healthy horses will drink when they want to drink. In certain disease conditions if a horse will not drink you have to tube (nasogastric tube) him to give him water. I know odd no medicinal effects of Guinness.
DrO
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