Re: RC: Re: body fat and performance

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/17/99 1:42:05 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
fmechelh@c-s-k.de writes:

<< ...eventually some of them become confused, not knowing the difference 
between fat
 and well hydrated horses... the leaner ones paying the price. Seems to be 
not sooo
 seldom, espacially when dealing with the skin pinch test. >>

When dealing with lean horses, the skin pinch test is most accurate on the 
shoulder, rather than on the neck.  And when it correlates with poor 
capillary refill time, slow jugular fill, diminished gut sounds, etc., you 
do, indeed, have a dehydrated horse.  On one hand, you are correct that one 
shouldn't put too much merit in JUST the skin pinch if it is the only 
parameter that is "off" in a lean horse.  But it has been my experience that 
the lean horses are also much quicker to show problems in other areas 
indicative of dehydration also.  But then see my earlier response to Beth 
about at least some degree of body fat likely correlating with other 
factors...

Heidi


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