Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
Topic:Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge and are essential for various physiological functions in horses. These minerals include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium, among others. Electrolytes are involved in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, muscle contraction, and acid-base balance in equine bodies. Imbalances or deficiencies in electrolytes can occur due to factors such as exercise, diet, or illness, affecting a horse's performance and health. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the role, regulation, and impact of electrolytes on equine physiology and performance.
Clinical and biochemical abnormalities in endurance horses eliminated from competition for medical complications and requiring emergency medical treatment: 30 cases (2005-2006). To describe the clinical and clinicopathologic abnormalities in endurance horses eliminated from competition and requiring emergency medical treatment. Methods: Retrospective study over a 2-year period (2005-2006). Ten horses that successfully completed the ride in 2006 were included for comparison. Methods: Temporary equine emergency field hospital. Methods: All horses (n=30) that were removed from endurance competition and treated for a metabolic abnormality were studied. Methods: Horses were treated with IV fluids and analgesics. Monitoring included lab work (PCV, total protein, and electro...
Effect of altrenogest-treatment of mares in late gestation on adrenocortical function, blood count and plasma electrolytes in their foals. Mares with compromised pregnancies are often treated with altrenogest to prevent abortion. However, there is only limited information about effects on the foal when altrenogest treatment is continued during final maturation of the fetus. Objective: To determine effects of altrenogest treatment during late gestation in mares on maturity, haematology changes, adrenocortical function and serum electrolytes in their newborn foals. Methods: Six mares were treated with altrenogest (0.088 mg/kg bwt) once daily from Day 280 of pregnancy until foaling and 7 mares served as controls. Results: Foals born...
Feeding management of elite endurance horses. This article reviews the principles of feeding management for endurance horses. The amount and type of dietary energy (calories) are key considerations in dietary management, because (1) there is evidence that the body condition score, an indicator of overall energy balance, influences endurance exercise performance, and (2) the source of dietary energy (ie, carbohydrate versus fat calories) impacts health, metabolism, and athletic performance. Optimal performance is also dependent on provision of adequate feed, water, and electrolytes on race day.
Application of the sodium dilution principle to calculate extracellular fluid volume changes in horses during dehydration and rehydration. To apply the principle of sodium dilution to calculate the changes in the extracellular fluid (ECF) volume (ECFV) and intracellular fluid volume (ICFV) that occur during dehydration and rehydration in horses. Methods: 8 healthy horses of various breeds. Methods: Horses were dehydrated over 4 hours by withholding water and administering furosemide. Saline (0.9% NaCl) solution was administered IV during the next 2 hours (20 mL/kg/h; total 40 mL/kg). Horses were monitored for an additional hour following IV fluid administration. Initial ECFV was determined by use of multifrequency bioelectrical i...
Fluid and electrolyte supplementation after prolonged moderate-intensity exercise enhances muscle glycogen resynthesis in Standardbred horses. We hypothesized that postexercise rehydration using a hypotonic electrolyte solution will increase the rate of recovery of whole body hydration, and that this is associated with increased muscle glycogen and electrolyte recovery in horses. Gluteus medius biopsies and jugular venous blood were sampled from six exercise-conditioned Standardbreds on two separate occasions, at rest and for 24 h following a competitive exercise test (CET) designed to simulate the speed and endurance test of a 3-day event. After the CETs, horses were given water ad libitum, and either a hypotonic commercial electrol...
The use of electrochemically activated saline as a uterine instillation in pony mares. Twelve pony mares were randomly assigned to either a control or a treatment group and inseminated with fresh, raw semen from a single stallion of known fertility in a cross-over trial design. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasound 12-14 days post-ovulation and then terminated by administration of a luteolytic dose of cloprostenol. Treatment mares received a uterine instillation of 100 ml of electrochemically activated (ECA) saline 4-12 hours post-insemination. Control mares received no treatment post-insemination. Per cycle pregnancy rate was 58.3 % in the control group and 50 % in ...
Urinary clinical pathologic findings and glomerular filtration rate in the horse. Urinary specific gravity (USG) measurements are underused by equine ambulatory veterinarians. Urinary dipstick and USG findings can assist in the diagnosis and prognosis of many disease processes in the horse. Simple methods for measurement of the glomerular filtration rate and urinary biochemical markers can improve equine urinary diagnostic abilities in critical care patients. Fractional excretion of electrolytes and minerals assists in fluid care and in management of nutrition of horses.
Suspected transient pseudohypoaldosteronism in a 10-day-old quarter horse foal. A 10-day-old quarter horse colt was presented for signs of disorientation and inability to nurse. Hydronephrosis/hydroureters, with concomitant pyelonephritis and a severe electrolytes disturbance, were diagnosed. The clinical findings closely resembled those described for a syndrome of transient pseudohypoaldosteronism in human neonates. Un poulain Quarter horse âgé de 10 jours a été présenté pour des signes de désorientation et d’incapacité à se nourrir. Une hydronéphrose/hydrouretères avec pyélonéphrite concomitante et débalancement électrolytique sévère ont été diagno...
Electrolytes changes in mammary secretions before foaling in jennies. No knowledge regarding the peripartum changes in mammary secretions in the jenny are presently available in literature. In the mare, instead, several studies report the role of these changes as indicators of foetal readiness for birth and impending parturition. This experiment was designed to determine calcium, sodium, potassium concentrations, and the value of sodium/potassium ratio in mammary fluids during prepartum in the jenny. Samples were daily collected by hand milking, after mammary gland size increased noticeably, from 17 Martina Franca jennies. Prepartum mammary secretions were analy...
Effects of small- and large-volume resuscitation on coagulation and electrolytes during experimental endotoxemia in anesthetized horses. Small-volume resuscitation (SVR) has been advocated in place of large-volume isotonic resuscitation for the treatment of endotoxemia in horses. The effects of this type of therapy during experimental endotoxemia on electrolytes and coagulation have not been evaluated in the horse. As part of a larger project, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of SVR (hypertonic saline solution [HSS] plus hetastarch [HES]) on coagulation and serum electrolytes concentration, and to compare SVR with large- and small-volume isotonic resuscitation during experimental endotoxemia in anestheti...
Acute renal failure in horses. Acute renal failure (ARF) in horses is usually prerenal or renal in origin and is most often caused by hemodynamic or nephrotoxic insults. The clinical management of patients that have ARF is largely supportive, including correction of fluid deficits and electrolyte and acid-base disturbances and treatment and reversal of the underlying cause. Use of dopamine and mannitol to promote renal blood flow and urine output is no longer recommended.
Electrolyte distribution and yolk sac morphology in frozen hydrated equine conceptuses during the second week of pregnancy. To investigate how equine conceptuses expand rapidly despite the hypo-osmolality of their yolk sac fluid, 18 conceptuses, aged 8-12 days and 0.8-10.0 mm in diameter, were examined by cryoscanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis to determine the distribution of Na, Cl and K in their fluids. No osmotic gradient was found between central and peripheral yolk sac fluid. In conceptuses > or = 6 mm in diameter, the concentrations of both Na and K in the subtrophectodermal compartments were higher than those determined previously in uterine fluid, supporting the concep...
Effects of hypercalcemia on serum concentrations of magnesium, potassium, and phosphate and urinary excretion of electrolytes in horses. To determine effects of experimentally induced hypercalcemia on serum concentrations and urinary excretion of electrolytes, especially ionized magnesium (iMg), in healthy horses. Methods: 21 clinically normal mares. Methods: Horses were assigned to 5 experimental protocols (1, hypercalcemia induced with calcium gluconate; 2, hypercalcemia induced with calcium chloride; 3, infusion with dextrose solution; 4, infusion with sodium gluconate; and 5, infusion with saline [0.9% NaCl] solution). Hypercalcemia was induced for 2 hours. Dextrose, sodium gluconate, and saline solution were infused for 2 ...
Plasma colloid osmotic pressure and total protein trends in horses during anesthesia. To investigate the changes in colloid osmotic pressure (COP) and total protein concentrations during routine general anesthesia in horses. Methods: Prospective, clinical study. Methods: Twelve adult healthy horses aged 9.1 +/- 4.7 years and weighing 474 +/- 79 kg presented for elective surgery and 14 adult horses aged 8.7 +/- 7.3 years and weighing 510 +/- 85 kg. Methods: All horses were premedicated with xylazine and anesthesia induced with ketamine, diazepam and guaifenesin, and maintained with isoflurane for 2.5 hours. Lactate Ringer's solution was administered at 11 mL kg(-1) hour(-1). Osm...
Frusemide results in an extracellular to intracellular fluid shift in horses. Frusemide (Lasix) is commonly used diuretic in horse racing and equine clinical practice. While pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, renal and haematological effects of frusemide have been studied in horses, its effects on the distribution of fluid within the horse remain unknown. Objective: To quantify the effects of frusemide on extracellular and intracellular fluid shifts. Methods: Horses were infused with 1 mg/kg body mass (n = 7) or 2 mg/kg (n = 9) i.v. frusemide. Total body water (TBW), extracellular fluid volume (ECFV) and plasma volume (PV) were measured using D2O, NaSCN and Evans blue dilu...
Does usefulness of potassium supplementation depend on speed? Electrolyte mixtures given to counter sweat loss usually contain abundant potassium. However, increases in plasma [K+] occur with exercise and supplementation may further increase plasma levels, potentially increasing the risk of neuromuscular hyperexcitability and development of adverse clinical sequellae. This proposition requires study. Objective: To compare effects of a K-rich electrolyte supplement (EM+K) to a K-free one (EM-K) on plasma [K+], [Ca++] and acid-base status during an endurance incremental exercise test on the treadmill. Methods: The test consisted of 3 bouts (simulating loop...
Enteral fluid therapy in large animals. Enteral fluids administered alone, or in conjunction with intravenous fluids, are reported to be useful for the treatment of dehydration and electrolyte loss associated with diarrhoea in a number of species, following exercise in horses and for feed impaction of the large intestine of horses. Enteral fluids are suitable for treatment of mild to moderately dehydrated patients with some intact intestinal epithelium and motile small intestine. In patients that will drink voluntarily or tolerate nasal intubation the use of enteral fluids may avoid the complications associated with intravenous flui...
Diarrhea and hyperammonemia in a horse with progressive neurologic signs. A 2-year-old, Quarter Horse filly was referred to Michigan State University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a 2-3 day history of depression and partial anorexia progressing to severe, watery diarrhea with severe neurologic abnormalities, including repetitive muscle fasciculations, muscle stiffening, and collapse. Laboratory findings included severe polycythemia, neutropenia, metabolic acidosis, and electrolyte and fluid loss, consistent with watery diarrhea and endotoxic shock. Increased creatine kinase and aspartate transaminase activities were consistent with recent transport and the musc...
Neurologic signs and hyperammonemia in a horse with colic. A 23-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was referred for the evaluation of acute onset of ataxia and depression, and a 2-day history of fever. On physical examination, the gelding was profoundly depressed and 10-12% dehydrated. The horse appeared very unstable, with a wide-based stance in the hind limbs, severe symmetric ataxia in all 4 limbs, and proprioceptive deficits in both hind limbs. Nasogastric intubation produced 4 L of brown, fetid reflux, and rectal examination revealed mild small intestinal and cecal distention. Hematologic abnormalities included neutropenia with toxic change, compatibl...
Analgesic effects of subarachnoidally administered hyperbaric opioids in horses. To evaluate the effects of subarachnoidally administered hyperbaric morphine, buprenorphine, and methadone on avoidance threshold to noxious electrical stimulation of the perineal, sacral, lumbar, and thoracic regions in horses. Methods: 6 healthy adult horses. Methods: Horses were assigned to receive subarachnoid administration of hyperbaric morphine (0.01 mg/kg), buprenorphine (0.001 mg/kg), methadone (0.01 mg/kg), or 10% dextrose solution in equal volumes (5 mL). Electrical stimulation was applied every 10 minutes for 60 minutes and every 30 minutes for 120 minutes after subarachnoid inject...
A comparison of traditional and quantitative analysis of acid-base and electrolyte imbalances in horses with gastrointestinal disorders. The purpose of this study was to compare traditional and quantitative approaches in analysis of the acid-base and electrolyte imbalances in horses with acute gastrointestinal disorders. Venous blood samples were collected from 115 colic horses, and from 45 control animals. Horses with colic were grouped according to the clinical diagnosis into 4 categories: obstructive, ischemic, inflammatory, and diarrheic problems. Plasma electrolytes, total protein, albumin, pH, pCO2, tCO2, HCO3-, base excess, anion gap, measured strong ion difference (SIDm), nonvolatile weak buffers (A(tot)), and strong io...
Uroperitoneum in 32 foals: influence of intravenous fluid therapy, infection, and sepsis. Foals may present to a referral hospital with the primary diagnosis of uroperitoneum (UP), or they may develop UP while hospitalized for other reasons. Historical, physical, laboratory, and diagnostic variables of foals presenting with UP were compared to those developing UP while hospitalized. Emphasis was placed on the presence of electrolyte abnormalities, evidence of sepsis or infection, and development of anesthetic complications during surgical correction of the defect. Foals developing UP while in the hospital frequently had a history of dystocia and presented at a very young age (< ...
Effect of repeated oral administration of hypertonic electrolyte solution on equine gastric mucosa. Electrolyte supplementation is common in horses during endurance competitions, but the effect on the gastric mucosa is unknown. Objective: Repeated oral administration of hypertonic electrolyte solution is associated with exacerbation of gastric ulcers in mature horses. Methods: The study design was a randomised, blinded, crossover trial. Fourteen horses were divided randomly into equal groups and administered either 60 ml water (placebo) or 56.7 g commercial electrolyte supplement mixed with 60 ml water by dose syringe orally once an hour for 8 h. The minimum concentration of individual const...
Effect of a 24-hour infusion of an isotonic electrolyte replacement fluid on the renal clearance of electrolytes in healthy neonatal foals. To determine the effects of a 24-hour infusion of an isotonic electrolyte replacement fluid (IERF) on weight, serum and urine electrolyte concentrations, and other clinicopathologic variables in healthy neonatal foals. Methods: 4 healthy 4-day-old foals. Methods: Prospective study. Methods: An IERF was administered to each foal at an estimated rate of 80 mL/kg/d (36.4 mL/lb/d) for 24 hours. Body weight was measured before and after the infusion period. Urine was collected via catheter during 4-hour periods; blood samples were collected at 4-hour intervals. Variables including urine production;...
Effect of oral administration of electrolyte pastes on rehydration of horses. To determine whether the composition of electrolyte pastes formulated for oral administration influences voluntary water intake (WI) by horses recovering from furosemide-induced dehydration. Methods: 6 horses. Methods: Voluntary WI, body weight, and blood and urine constituents were measured before and after induction of dehydration by furosemide administration and overnight withholding of water; these same variables also were measured during a 36-hour rehydration period. Each horse was evaluated 4 times with random application of 4 treatments (electrolyte pastes) that provided 0.5 g of KCl/kg...
Effects of oral potassium supplementation on acid-base status and plasma ion concentrations of horses during endurance exercise. To compare effects of oral supplementation with an experimental potassium-free sodium-abundant electrolyte mixture (EM-K) with that of oral supplementation with commercial potassium-rich mixtures (EM+K) on acid-base status and plasma ion concentrations in horses during an 80-km endurance ride. Methods: 46 healthy horses. Methods: Blood samples were collected before the ride; at 21-, 37-, 56-, and 80-km inspection points; and during recovery (ie, 30-minute period after the ride). Consumed electrolytes were recorded. Blood was analyzed for pH, PvCO2, and Hct, and plasma was analyzed for Na+, K+,...
Alterations in serum parathyroid hormone and electrolyte concentrations and urinary excretion of electrolytes in horses with induced endotoxemia. Hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia are common in horses with sepsis and endotoxemia. We hypothesize that endotoxemia triggers a systemic inflammatory response that results in hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) administration to healthy horses on serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), ionized calcium (Ca2+) and total calcium (tCa), ionized magnesium (Mg2+) and total magnesium (tMg), phosphate (Pi), potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl-), and insulin concentrations, and on the urinary excretion of these electro...
