ELECTROLYTES
Electrolytes are minerals that break down into electronically charged ions in water. They are present in all body cells. They are especially important in muscle, nerve function, and fluid balance in the horse’s body.
Horses sweat to provide wetness for evaporative cooling. When the heat and especially the humidity is high, sweating alone does not cool the body. Cool water wash downs must be used after exercise. When the horse sweats excessively during exercise or just standing in the summer heat they need electrolyte supplementation. The primary electrolytes that a horse loses in sweat is Sodium, Chloride and Potassium. The minor electrolytes lost are Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Sulphur. When too many electrolytes have been lost through sweat and exercise, the muscles can be affected causing cramping, fatigue and dehydration will set in.
The fastest way to get electrolytes into the horses following exercise is by drinking electrolyte water. Research showed that electrolytes were detected in the blood in 10 minutes after intake using 4 ounces of electrolyte powder in 1 gallon water. Electrolyte paste is not recommended. The paste electrolytes will lie in the intestinal tract of the horse until they draw enough water from the body to break them down, or the horse takes a drink of water to dissolve them. Electrolyte water should be provided during and after transport and also within 45 minutes after training or competing. This rehydrates the horse quickly. In the stall, a bucket of electrolyte water and a bucket of plain water should be provided. The horse will choose which he needs. Change the electrolyte water daily because it will sour if it has dextrose sugar in it.
When choosing a performance electrolyte supplement, check the label. It should have the same electrolytes (and in the same order) as sweat: Sodium, Chloride, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Sulphur. The amount of Sodium and Potassium should equal the amount of Chloride. Supplements containing more than 70% salt is not a performance electrolyte, its just expensive salt. Himalayan or Sea salt are very different from the composition of sweat, so they are poor choices for electrolyte supplementation. A salt or mineral block is also not the same composition as sweat but the horse will lick it if it needs electrolytes.
Electrolytes can be top dressed on the feed. The amount of electrolyte for moderate to severe heat stress is 1 oz per day for an idle pasture horse and 2 oz per day for light work. For moderate work and competition, 4 oz in a gallon of water after exercise. When introducing electrolytes, start with a small amount on the feed or the water then increase. If the horse doesn’t like it, try another. Dextrose in the electrolyte powder makes it taste better to the horse. Examples of electrolyte powders are Finish line orange electrolyte powder or Aqua Aid for the water. Read the label. Some have Calcium or Dextrose first as the main ingredient, not salt and potassium as needed.
To check for dehydration
1. Skin pinch test: pinch the skin, it should go back to flat in less than 2 seconds
2. Color and feel of the horse’s gums: bubble gum pink and moist.
Dr Hayes will be away July 10-13. Breeding and foaling season is over, so she is taking a few days off (her last days off were in January). Our office will be open but there will not be a veterinarian on duty. Betty Ann will be answering the emergency phone to provide you a list of other vets. Be prepared to transport your horse in case of an emergency. If you don’t have access to a trailer, we can give you the phone number of someone that could haul your horse.
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