> Gut sounds become reduced during a ride, in large part, because of
dehydration, redistribution of body fluids and alterations in body
electrolyte concentrations, not because the horse has a deficiency of
bugs. Adding bugs to the horse may make its gurgling sounds a tad
louder (although I doubt it), but will not improve gastrointestinal
motility or the general clinical picture, ie it is a con to think that
you are improving matters or helping the horse. So if you are giving
probiotics or what-ever merely to get an "A" on gut sounds, I feel
that you are deluding yourself, potentially putting the horse in
danger by trying to mask a lack of gastrointestinal motility, and
effectively using a substance (probiotics) in an attempt to mask the
underlying real status of the horse's gastrointestinal sounds and
hence physiological status of the horse as it proceeds through the
ride ("Cosequin riders"!!!!).
I await the snowstorm.
Phil Woods.<<
Good point, Phil....om..any comments???
Teddy