Re: Re[2]: Gut sounds

C.M.Newell (reshan@deyr.ultranet.com)
Thu, 12 Dec 1996 19:19:52 -0500

At 02:05 PM 12/12/96 -0800, you wrote:
> 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,

I was wondering when someone would bring this up. The transit time
through the equine gut is significantly longer than the length of a ride. I
doubt that any probiotics administered at holds get anywhere near the large
colon before the end of a ride.Probiotics administered after a ride are
probably helpful in recovery from the stress of the event.

That said, I doubt anyone administering them is hoping to fool the
vets. Especially since gut sound are only one of a number of parameters
evaluated.
--Charlotte