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Re: [RC] for those who use electrolytes...help those newbies - Joe LongOn Thu, 23 Mar 2006 10:54:48 -0600, "Jonni" <jonnij@xxxxxxxx> wrote: OK, So, I have sort of a challenge for those who regularly use electrolytes, and feel they have a good understanding of "why" they do so. Can you explain to those very new to the sport, how electrolytes work in the horses body, and just what they do. Why do they make the horse drink? And, why do we not want to give electrolytes to a very dehydrated horse. What can happen? What can happen if a horse gets too much electrolytes? I would love to hear these answers in a very simplistic manner, than any newbie who lurks could understand. I just addressed one of these points, but I'll add a bit more. Electrolytes are dissolved salts, essential for life. Cells cannot function without them. But too much is bad, too. Salts can only be absorbed into the bloodstream if they are sufficiently dilute -- that's why sailors dying of thirst cannot just drink sea water. Doing so will just pull water from their bloodstream, instead of putting it in. In fact, the treatment for someone who has drunk sea water is to have him drink LOTS of fresh water, to dilute the salt. When you add a "dose" of electrolytes to a horse's stomach, it must be diluted before it can be absorbed. Unless the horse drinks at just about the same time, this water is pulled from the bloodstream. It is this pulling of water from the bloodstream into the stomach or intestines that is harmful to an already dehydrated horse. Sports drinks like Gatorade contain salt, but in small amounts, they're pretty dilute. Similarly, electrolytes need to be administered to horses in small doses; if he needs more, give it more often, NOT larger amounts. -- Joe Long jlong@xxxxxxxx http://www.rnbw.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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