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The Heat is On~
Facts on dehydration and electrolytes
What is Dehydration and
Heat Stress
Summer is upon us and things are heating up. Those
of us who use our and/or haul our horses in the summer months
need to be aware of the dangers and danger signs associated with
heat stress and dehydration. Additionally, we need to know the
tools for preventing or treating these problems should they
occur.
First of all, we need to realize that horses enter
into heat stress any time the temperature plus humidity is equal
to or greater than 140. Thus, we realize, it doesn’t take much
to get your horse to the point of heat stress. Dehydration is
defined simply as a deficit of body water. This deficit
negatively impacts virtually every process in the body resulting
in premature fatigue and increased risk of heat illness. Proper
hydration is critical then, as even small deficits can
negatively impact performance.
With exercise, there is an increase in heat
production. Some heat storage is desirable for enhancing
certain metabolic reactions, however, above that, the heat must
be dissipated. The main route is through sweating, which
results in losses of water and electrolytes in the sweat. The
longer the state of dehydration and electrolyte deficits, the
greater the chances of health problems. Many performance horses
are usually somewhat dehydrated just from the trailer ride, less
than normal feed and water intake due to transport to the event,
and prolonged sweating from standing in the sun or in a warm
trailer.
Warning Signs of
Dehydration
There are several ways to detect dehydration
which you should become familiar with. The above diagram
outlines several areas that you should be checking. Under each
parameter there are three observations. The top observation
would be normal for a healthy horse, the middle observation
indicates that caution is necessary, particularly as the number
of parameters falling into this category increase. Finally, the
lower observation indicates there is a serious problem and all
exercise should be stopped. Water and electrolyte deficits will
affect virtually all parameters.
Electrolytes as a Tool
Water and the necessary electrolytes are
critical in moderate and intensely trained horses. Your goal
would be to “maintain optimal performance through optimal
health” by preventing the problems associated with electrolyte
losses. Electrolytes do many things for performance horses.
Pre-loading of electrolytes before competition can increase time
to fatigue by up to 23%, and use of electrolytes during the
cooling down process can decrease recovery times from 12-24
hours to only 45 minutes!
Physiologically, water MUST be used with
electrolytes to replace the losses that occur with sweating.
Electrolytes CAN in fact dehydrate the horse if not used in
conjunction with water. It is also important to keep in mind
that water alone can delay proper re-hydration as the water
intake dilutes the plasma sodium concentrations, thereby
decreasing the thirst drive before fluids can completely be
replaced. In addition, urine output is increased which will be
accompanied by additional loss of sodium, potassium, and
chloride which are important electrolytes.
So How Can I Address
Electrolyte Issues?
The requirements for all of the electrolytes can
and should be met first through a properly balanced diet. The
diet should be analyzed and balanced for the type and quality of
the hay being fed. Once the horse goes into work, we may need
to do more than just feed a properly balanced diet.
Keeping in mind again, that water intake alone
can dilute the sodium concentrations thereby decreasing the
thirst drive before the body water deficit has been replaced, it
is important to add a performance horse electrolyte to the
water. This helps keep the sodium plasma concentrations from
being diluted and the horse will continue to drink more over the
course of the trip, exercise, or while cooling down.
Performance Horse Electrolytes should be
formulated to replace electrolytes (salts) lost in sweat. Avoid
sodium bicarbonate products, as these are for sick animals, not
performance horses. Look specifically for electrolytes labeled
for the performance horse. Ideally, they should be administered
in the water to ensure rapid uptake and to avoid dehydration.
It is important to emphasize that a fluid and electrolyte
program during events will not compensate for a poor daily diet
or inadequate conditioning of the animal.
Remember, prevention of health and performance
problems related to fluid and electrolyte imbalances are the
goal. Have a safe and prosperous summer season!
By: Kelly Ann
Graber B.S., P.A.S.
Equine Nutrition Consultant for Progressive Nutrition
888-360-2204 or lkgraber@win-4-u.net
Equine Nutrition Library |
