Re: Electrolytes - Daily Use?

[flemmerl@rcbhsc.wvu.edu (Flemmer, Linda)]

Ruth Abair wrote:

> I use Endura-lyte on my horse/Classy before and after each ride. These
> rides consist of approximately 10 miles - 2x week and 25 miles - 1x week.
> Two weeks ago, during our 25 miler/early morning weekend ride, Classy's
> sweat turned to lather instead of the usual clear stuff and "since" then,
> he's not been so eager to go down
> the trail like he normally does.

Sweat lathers because of surfactants in the sweat glands - not necessarily
an indicator of fitness or salt loss.  Surfactants build up over days and
are "washed out" by sweat during frequent exercise.  If you wash the
surfactants out faster than they can regenerate, you get thin, clear sweat.
Look back to see how big a break the horse had before this bout of exercise.

Electrolyte loss does vary with conditions, and the heat HAS been extreme,
too.  I'd be tempted to offer electrolytes under Texas conditions, too.
What doses are you using of the endura-lytes?

Another consideration - Could his problem be attitude - ie working in the
heat & he'd rather not.  (Even if it is in the morning or evening.)

>  I believe he suffers (just like us),  from losing/sweating precious body
> fluids everyday due to the continuous record high heat and humidity we are
> experiencing here in
> Texas.

Adding electrolytes for him won't hurt him - assuming that he has normal
kidney function, he can excrete any excesses.  You didn't mention if he had
access to free salt and a mineral block...  That may be something to
consider if you aren't already doing it.

We believe in the KISS principle of management.  We'd look at boredom
first.  We've found that when the horse's attitude has changed,  sometimes
it is just that he needs a change of pace.  Out come the jump standards, or
we swim, or do dressage, herd the neighbors cows (with permission), etc.
Every day doesn't have to be X many miles over the same old path.  If that
doesn't help him pick up, then we look at electrolytes, feeding schedules,
subclinical illness, etc.

Good luck figuring out what's up with your partner!

Linda Flemmer