[cminor]

I had a horse dehydrate very badly the other day and after taking him to the vet. The vet wants him to be on electrolytes for now. I have never used or even taken the time to look at the different kinds of electrolytes. I want to give him the best thing that I can because I don't want to go thru this again. So I am asking for opinions and advice from those that know about electrolyes or have lots of experience using them. Thans.

[luttrellfarms]

When we were competing often, we used them espically during the summer. We always used the kind that you mix in water and had good results. Out of the 2-3 different kinds that we used, I could not tell any difference.

[cminor]

I am not one to really bump stuff up but I really could you some advice.
I am kinda concerned to get a good electrolyte, I was warned that alot of them are very high in salt and can actually cause dehydration. So does anyone have any advice?

[Mutrok]

Electrolytes do not themselves prevent dehydration.

Here is some good info that Jess! posted on another thread

Electrolytes
Electrolytes are widely recognized as being an essential component of the working horse's diet. Heavy work in high temperatures and humidity put demands on athletes, both human and equine, which are difficult to successfully meet. But it is not only stressful environments that produce increased demands for nutrients. Any high level of competition will dramatically increase the requirements for many different nutrients. Almost all of these increased demands must be met from the horse's diet.

Electrolytes play an important role in muscle function, fluid balance and metabolism. They are rapidly lost during heavy exercise in the sweat. For example, an endurance horse can lose up to 60 litres of sweat on a given day!

Electrolytes are electrically charged particles called ions. Most are mineral elements. Those that carry a positive charge, such as sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are called cations and those with a negative charge, such as chloride (Cl) are called anions. In the diet of the horse they are usually found in neutral form as salts (e.g. sodium chloride - NaCl - common salt). Once these compounds enter an aqueous medium (e.g. water or the fluids of the stomach and intestines) they separate and carry their respective charges. The other important electrolytes in the horse are calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg).
When a muscle cell contracts it uses energy. Part of this energy is lost as heat. All excess heat must be conveyed away from the muscle cells by the blood and eliminated from the body. The principal means of heat loss from the body of the working horse is by sweating. Sweating means water loss and water loss means electrolyte loss. Estimates of sweat loss in the vigorously exercising horse range from 10-15 litres per hour, up to 60 litres in an endurance horse. Higher rates are a result of more intense work and/or higher temperatures and humidity.

The electrolytes lost in sweat are sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Good quality diets will normally provide sufficient electrolytes for horses working at low or moderate levels. For horses in daily training or intense competition where prolonged sweating regularly occurs, electrolyte supplementation may be necessary.

Work at a number of research sites in Canada, the United States and Europe indicates that the problems associated with adequate heat loss from the body of the working horse are greatly aggravated under conditions of elevated temperatures and humidity. In these conditions sweat and electrolyte losses may be very high.

There are a few good management rules to follow to minimize the loss of electrolytes:1) Make sure your horse is receiving a well-balanced diet on a daily basis, with free access to a clean salt block. 2) Supply adequate forage to your horse. Roughage in the hind gut helps to retain water and electrolyte balance. 3) If you are going to be participating in an endurance event, you may want to dose your horse 1-2 hours before the event, to build up storage in the gut. This storage is only short term, as unneeded electrolytes are excreted by the body. (Note: Do not give a dehydrated horse electrolytes, as this could make the condition worse. Always call your vet for advice if you suspect dehydration)

Add extra fluids to your feed by mixing a sloppy mash. It is important that a horse be receiving adequate amounts of water, especially if supplemental electrolytes are being administered.
The provision of supplemental fluids containing electrolytes before, during, and after competitions, if at all possible, should be considered. A number of satisfactory commercial products are available, or advice on a mixture of readily available ingredients to be mixed at home can be sought. Paying close attention to electrolyte status can pay health and performance dividends for your horse.

By feeding your horse a balanced diet, you can minimize the need for supplements and ease the blow on your pocketbook. On the other hand, using a supplement when it is called for can improve your horse's general well being and performance. One word of caution - check the labels carefully. Not all products are created equal, with some containing fillers and additives. If you are unsure, contact the manufacture for information, or talk to your veterinarian.

[ejforrest]

I dont use the stuff you put in water, I have several very picky horses that wont touch new stuff so I dont take the chance that they "might" drink the water. I use Electro-Plex. Its in a tube like a deworming tube and all I do is put it in their mouths-no problem! I use this stuff when we are out camping and riding long hours or when it is 90 degrees and very humid. It helps return fluid and electrolytes to normal levels. You can get electrolytes at any feed store or equine tack/health magazine. I get mine through Jeffers Equine.

[Preppy_Ponies]

Personally I like Apple-A-Day, I think Finish line makes it. It's one of the few my horse will eat. I've used it with numerous horses without issue over the years. I've put it both in their water and mixed in with their food just depends on the situation and horse.

Currently Romeo had some issues with the higher temps at the new barn so my vet had me put him on electrolytes year round. With certain horses in warm climates it's a good idea. However with the Apple-A-Day I only give him a half dose, a 1/2oz I think. And he does just as well on the half dose as he did when he was getting the full one. Plus it breaks down to only a few dollars a month.

Don't know if that helps much but good luck with your horse Dehydration is not a fun thing to deal with.

[JBandRio]

Do not use any electrolytes if the horse isn't going to drink enough - makes things worse.

Why was he dehydrated to begin with? Studies show that simply just adding plain ol' sodium chloride is pretty much all the horse needs, but as I stated before, if the horse (still) doesn't drink enough, it makes things worse.

[paintlver]

I would put it in the feed..Many horses won't drink the water with it in their..Be careful how much you use because you can cause problems with too much electrolytes
I had my gelding on a small dose for a few months when he had some urinary issues but has seen cleared up

[tbtrainer]

I have always used powedered electolytes... usually Peak Performance, or any brand that doesnt contain added sugar.

For days that the horse is going to work extra hard, (racing) we give a paste, or an IV jug... never had a problem giving electrolytes what so ever.

[ryu2832]

I have had good luck with a handful of salted carrots or a tablespoon of corn syrup/honey on their tongue to get them drinking. I have fresh warm and cold water available.

They usually take a good drink after one of the two, then I give the electrolytes (Apple a Day).