URGENT! Endurance Research Volunteers Needed

[Nat & Richard <trailride@foothill.net>]

This note is being posted on behalf of mailto:wstf@foothill.net  Please respond
DIRECTLY TO THAT ADDRESS, not to Ridecamp or Trailride.


WANTED ... ENDURANCE RIDERS TO PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH PROGRAM DURING THE
WESTERN STATES HORSEXPO (http://www.horsexpo.com) IN SACRAMENTO ON SUNDAY, JUNE
6, 1999.
 
After years of planning an opportunity has developed for a controlled research
program conducted by GARY P. CARLSON BS, DVM, PhD.  Dr. Carlson is Professor and
Chair Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine,
UCD.  The research will have the cooperation of The Western States Trail
Foundation (Dr. Carlson is a member of the board of governors), CalExpo Race
Track (Capitol Racing), and Western States HorsExpo ~ Miki Cohen.  Following is
a summary of the program to be conducted Sunday, June 6, 1999.  If interested in
becoming part of history, please contact WSTF at mailto:wstf@foothill.net as
soon as possible so the "short list" of participants can be developed.
 
AS WRITTEN BY DR. GARY CARLSON DVM May 17, 1999:
 
> Effects of Preloading of Electrolytes Prior to Endurance Exercise

EquiExpo at CalExpo June 6,1999
Gary P. Carlson  BS,DVM,PhD
University of California at Davis

Background
Electrolyte supplementation has become a key component of the
feeding and management of horses participating in competitive endurance
events.  This is particularly true when events are held during hot or
hot/humid weather when massive sweat losses can be anticipated. Although
electrolyte supplementation of endurance horses is widely practiced and
accepted, there have been few objective studies to quantitatively evaluate
the effects of these supplements during controlled exercise.  One of the
strategies for electrolyte supplementation has been the preloading of
electrolytes the night before and the morning of an endurance event. It
should be understood that the body does not have a means of storing excess
electrolytes over a period of days.
It is generally felt that preloading exerts beneficial effects by
making sure that the horse is electrolyte replete prior to the start of a
ride.  Thus, in theory, the horse will be better prepared for the
electrolyte losses associated with heavy sweating during protracted
exercise in a hot environment.  However, concerns have been raised that
over-supplementation with electrolytes during preloading may contribute to
some of the medical problems observed in some endurance horses during the
early stages of endurance events.  The question has been asked: "Is it
possible to overdo a good thing with preloading of electrolytes"?
The availability of the track at CalExpo provides an opportunity to
evaluate some of the effects of preloading of electrolytes prior to
endurance exercise.

Objectives
1. To evaluate the effects of electrolyte preloading on serum chemistry and
electrolyte concentrations during and after a controlled endurance ride.
2. To evaluate the effects of electrolyte preloading on water consumption
and body weight during and after a controlled endurance ride.
3. To evaluate the effects of electrolyte preloading on clinical signs and
recovery rate after a controlled endurance ride.

Methods
Horses:  Horses participating in this study will be ridden by cooperating
owner/riders of endurance trained horses.  A total of 12 to 16 horses are
required.  The horses will be divided into two equal groups.  One group,
the treatment group, will receive an oral electrolyte supplement prior to
the ride.  The second group, the control group, will not receive oral
electrolyte supplement prior to the ride.  In all other respects horses of
both groups will be treated exactly the same.
Study Protocol:
1. Horses will be examined two hours prior to the ride to make sure they
are sound and healthy.  Blood samples will be drawn at this time and the
horses will be weighed without tack.  Horses selected for the treatment
group will be given a commercial oral electrolyte supplement.  Horses will
be allowed access to water at this time, but no additional electrolyte
supplements will be given.
2. Horses will be reexamined briefly just before the ride.  Blood samples
will be drawn and the horses will be weighed without tack.
3. Horses will be sent out in compatible groups of similar capabilities in
timed stages.  Horses will be ridden at a brisk training pace on the
racetrack at CalExpo for a distance of approximately 25 miles.  Water will
be available and horses will have an opportunity to drink at frequent
intervals.  Drinking by individual horses will be recorded.
4. Horses will be examined after the ride to make sure they are sound and
healthy.  Particular attention will be paid to hydration status, evidence
of sweating and recovery of temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate.
Blood samples will be drawn and the body weight without tack will be
recorded immediately after the ride and following recovery at 1-2 hours.
Horses will have access to feed and water during the recovery period, but
no additional electrolyte supplements will be given.
Blood Samples:  The blood samples will be analyzed for PCV, protein and
electrolytes.  Serum will be separated and stored frozen for further
chemistry determination.
Medical Problems:  It is not anticipated that medical problems will occur
on this ride, but we will have available fluids and emergency medical
supplies.
Results:  Riders participating in this study will receive copies of the
data from their horse as well as a summary of the results comparing both
groups.  It is anticipated that a preliminary report of the final results
should be available for general distribution to veterinarians and riders
prior to this year's Tevis Cup Ride.

Gary P Carlson BS, DVM, PhD
Diplomate ACVIM
Diplomate ACVP
Professor and Chair Department of Medicine and Epidemiology
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of California
Davis, California  95616

The selected participants (16 maximum) will be provided full details of the
schedule and other important information approximately two weeks before the
"event".  Be sure to include your mailing address and phone number if interested
in being considered.
 
Thanks,
 
Larry Suddjian, Vice President
WESTERN STATES TRAIL FOUNDATION
mailto:wstf@foothill.net


posted by richard, teviswebguy

-- 
    Natalie's Barn & Breakfast -- a B&B for Horses ...and their Riders
    http://www.natbarn.com  (530) 637-4644  or tollfree 1-877-NATBARN


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