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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] ELECTROLYTES both horse and human

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  • From: "T'mi Finkle" <tfinkle@erols.com>
  • To: "'Mounted search and rescue'" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] ELECTROLYTES both horse and human
  • Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2010 20:44:04 -0400

Thanks Una, great information!

-----Original Message-----
From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Una Smith
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2010 6:17 PM
To: Mounted search and rescue
Subject: Re: [MSAR] ELECTROLYTES both horse and human

I know far more about electrolytes and dehydration in humans than in
horses, having managed more cases in humans. That said, it helps to
keep in mind that, in terms of chemistry, horses and humans are more
similar than different.

For humans, since 2003 the World Health Organization has recommended
a so-called reduced osmolarity formula for oral rehydration solutions.
This is reduced relative to the prior WHO formula.

Here is a basic low (reduced) osmolarity make-it-yourself recipe:

- eight level teaspoons of sugar and
- one level teaspoon of salt
- in one litre of clean water

The WHO recommended formula for a commercial electrolyte solution
is more complex. It is sold all over the world at very low cost as
packets of dry powder for mixing into 1 liter of water. To find a
supplier see http://rehydrate.org/resources/suppliers.htm. These
packets are super convenient to have on hand in your first aid kit.

A 2009 veterinary medical article reported good results of a small
study giving low osmolarity electrolytes (12 g Na, 24 g Cl, 9 g K,
1 g Ca and Mg, in 8 liters or 2 gallons), followed by food. To
recover from work, horses need water, electrolytes, and calories,
but dehydrated horses typically refuse food. So the first task to
speed recovery after work is to address dehydration by replacing
both water and electrolytes.

Electrolytes should be given *with* water, preferably *in* water.
Giving electrolytes in advance of water involves gambling that the
horse will drink enough water to balance the electrolytes. Too
high a concentration of electrolytes in the gut can draw water out
of the body by reverse osmosis, actually making dehydration worse.
This gamble is not necessary. Instead, simply give water with
electrolytes mixed in, or let the horse drink plain water and then
give electrolytes according to how much the horse drank.

In very hot, humid weather, horses doing typical MSAR work probably
would generally benefit from being given electrolytes with water.
Where I live, electrolyte loss during work is not a huge concern,
but water loss is. That is because our climate is very dry, not
humid. In a dry climate much water is lost via respiration, with
little or no loss of electrolytes.

It would be smart for MSAR units to adopt a protocol for assessing
the welfare of their equine members. At a minimum, distribute a
handout about signs of dehydration, heat stress, colic, lameness,
etc. Learn to take a horse's pulse, respiration, and temperature.
Know stuff like that some horses, especially older horses, always
show a "skin tent" when their skin is pinched and this does not
mean they are dehydrated.

Una Smith
New Mexico
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