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Veterinary sciences2022; 9(11); 626; doi: 10.3390/vetsci9110626

Oral Electrolyte and Water Supplementation in Horses.

Abstract: Horses that sweat for prolonged periods lose considerable amounts of water and electrolytes. Maintenance of hydration and prevention of dehydration requires that water and electrolytes are replaced. Dehydration is common in equine disciplines and can be avoided, thus promoting equine wellness, improved performance and enhanced horse and rider safety. Significant dehydration occurs through exercise or transport lasting one hour or more. Oral electrolyte supplementation is an effective strategy to replace water and electrolytes lost through sweating. The stomach and small intestine serve as a reservoir for uptake of water and electrolytes consumed 1 to 2 h prior to exercise and transport. The small intestine is the primary site of very rapid absorption of ions and water. Water and ions absorbed in the small intestine are taken up by muscles, and also transported via the blood to the skin where they serve to replace or augment the losses of water and ions in the body. Effective electrolyte supplements are designed to replace the proportions of ions lost through sweating; failure to do so can result in electrolyte imbalance. Adequate water must be consumed with electrolytes so as to maintain solution osmolality less than that of body fluids in order to promote gastric emptying and intestinal absorption. The electrolyte supplement should taste good, and horses should be trained to drink the solution voluntarily prior to and during transport, and prior to and after exercise.
Publication Date: 2022-11-10 PubMed ID: 36356103PubMed Central: PMC9696292DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9110626Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research examines the importance and effectiveness of oral electrolyte and water replacement in horses. The findings reveal that these supplements effectively prevent dehydration and maintain hydration in horses, particularly those subjected to prolonged sweating due to exercise or transportation.

Overview of the Study

  • This research primarily focuses on the effects of prolonged sweating in horses, particularly in terms of water and electrolyte losses. It underlines the pivotal role that hydration and electrolyte balance play in maintaining overall equine health and performance.
  • Significant dehydration in horses usually occurs through exercise or transport that lasts an hour or more. Consequently, horses participating in such activities are the primary subjects of this study.
  • Oral electrolyte supplementation is presented as an effective strategy for replenishing the water and electrolytes lost through sweating. This strategy is based on the stomach and small intestine’s ability to absorb water and electrolytes consumed one to two hours before activities that induce sweat.

Absorption Mechanism and Functionality

  • The study explains that the small intestine is the primary site for the swift absorption of ions and water. drank.
  • The absorbed water and ions not only cater to the nutritional need of muscle tissues but are also circulated through the blood to the skin; this helps counteract and supplement the loss of water and ions affecting the body in general.

Designing Effective Electrolyte Supplements

  • According to the study, effective electrolyte supplements must replicate the proportions of ions lost through sweating. Any failure in ensuring this balance can lead to detrimental electrolyte imbalances.
  • Adequate water consumption is emphasized alongside electrolyte supplementation to maintain solution osmolality. This is integral for promoting gastric emptying and intestinal absorption.

Feeding and Training Practices

  • The study also stresses the importance of excellent taste for electrolyte supplements, as it encourages horses to drink them voluntarily. This leads to the proposal of training horses to consume these supplements both before and after exercise, as well as during transport.

Cite This Article

APA
Lindinger MI. (2022). Oral Electrolyte and Water Supplementation in Horses. Vet Sci, 9(11), 626. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9110626

Publication

ISSN: 2306-7381
NlmUniqueID: 101680127
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 11
PII: 626

Researcher Affiliations

Lindinger, Michael Ivan
  • The Nutraceutical Alliance Inc. Guelph, ON N1G 0E3, Canada.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The author has designed commercial equine electrolyte supplements.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
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