Re: Gut sounds

MS DENISE G JOHNSON (BZVU47A@prodigy.com)
Sun, 15 Dec 1996 11:11:40, -0500

I'm not the one that asked the first question on gut sounds. But I
too at the Casper's Park ride rode
the 25 LD and at the midway vet check my horse received a C on gut
sounds. He ate and drank well the
night and morning of the ride. He never drinks until the vet check
(very slightly) and then starts drinking
better at each water stop subsequently. At the last three LD's he
has refrained from eating unless I
hand feed it to him. Each ride was completed in 5-6 hours. So we
are not riding fast. He is not a nervous
horse. He recovers to criteria in two minutes. After finishing I
return him to his corral and he eats and drinks very well. At the
post ride vet check he gets an A on gut sounds.
My question is about what Phil said about maintaining hydration and
appetite. How can I encourage or
by any other means help this horse replenish himself at the vet check?
Is this behavior more within the norm then not. I know when I'm
all worked up I cann't eat. Maybe my electrolytes are not sufficient.
He
is on Perform'n Win and will not drink it in solution. I've been
giving it to him on his grain and in bran mashes. A vet at this ride
suggested making up a favorite mix of goodies with molasses.
Something he cann't resist. With the exception of Natural Glo he
doesn't get any other supplements. I would like to move up to 50's
with this horse. Maybe it takes him awhile to get into the eating
and drinking mode during these rides. Isn't there any way to lead a
horse to drink and eat better? Suggestions?

Thanks Phil, Susan and everyone else for this discussion on gut
sounds!

Denise & Tu Handsome