The major part of the horse’s body is made up of body fluids which consist mainly of water containing soluble salts known as electrolytes. The most important electrolytes are sodium, potassium and chloride with small amounts of bicarbonate, magnesium, calcium and other trace minerals.
The correct balance of electrolytes and water within the body cells is essential for life's vital functions. Loss of fluid leads to the blood becoming acidic causing heart, muscle and nervous system problems. Water transports nutrients round the body, controls temperature and is essential for digestion and the removal of waste products.
WHEN TO USE ELECTROLYTES
Under normal circumstances when a horse is resting or in light work there should be sufficient electrolytes in a properly balanced diet. The basic feed must be right and a salt block and fresh water should always be available.
The normal diet will not provide sufficient electrolytes when heavy sweating occurs. Hard work, travelling, stress, hot and humid conditions are the sort of occasions when electrolyte losses need replacing.
Electrolytes are most effective when mixed in with the daily feed, splitting between feeds if possible. Alternatively dissolve in 5 to 10 litres of water. If it is sprinkled on the feed before and after competition it is essential that fresh water is available. The object of the exercise is to replace body fluids of which water is the main component. Water by itself will actually dilute electrolyte reserves.
ELECTROLYTES AND DEXTROSE
The discovery that the correct mixture of dextrose and salts are absorbed together and pass quickly through the gut wall has been described as one of the greatest medical breakthroughs of the twentieth century. Dextrose carries far greater amounts of electrolytes into the system than would otherwise occur. Water is then attracted into the body by osmosis. This is the basis for modern sports drinks and is the standard UNICEF treatment for dehydrated children in the Third World.
After hard work the dextrose level in the blood stream is depleted. This is the body’s fuel and needs to be restored to provide the energy for a quick recovery.
MSM
MSM has been successfully used to ease pain and stiffness in horses for many years. It is a soluble form of organic sulphur which is a vital constituent of joint fluid and connective tissue. It is included in the electrolyte mixture because it provides the greatest benefits under the same conditions that extra electrolytes are required.
VITAMINS
Vitamin requirements are higher during periods of stress and their inclusion fits in very neatly with the use of electrolytes. Particular attention has been paid to the antioxidant vitamins A, E and C. Water soluble B vitamins which cannot be stored in the body are added which may also act as a calming influence.
CITRIC ACID
Citric acid is a natural organic acid found in many fruits. It has an attractive taste and raises the flow of saliva. It also increases the availability of some of the trace minerals in the body fluids by the process of chelation.
