Electrolytes – what, why, how and when?

With the worst of the winter behind us, now’s the perfect time to consider whether your horse could do with a little help from electrolytes this spring

Electrolytes are an incredibly important part of keeping your horse healthy and are essential for most bodily functions. The Insurance Emporium spoke to their horse health expert Sam Carmody all about the importance of electrolytes and prepared some top tips for how you can help ensure your horse doesn’t suffer from a deficiency.

What are electrolytes?

 Electrolytes are important for most of your horse’s bodily functions. They’re vital in maintaining osmotic pressure, fluid balance, and nerve and muscle activity. There are five main electrolytes required by horses…

• sodium
• chloride
• potassium
• magnesium
• calcium

How are electrolytes lost?

Electrolytes are lost through your horse’s urine, faeces and sweat. The electrolyte that’s most likely to be deficient is sodium – or salt. Studies show that horses don’t regulate their salt consumption freely when provided with salt licks or blocks, so it can be hard to make sure yours is getting the correct amount.

Signs and symptoms

Electrolyte deficiency often goes unrecognised, but it can cause poor performance or digestive disturbance. These deficiencies can also cause a horse to be prone to an increased level of enzymes in his muscles, reduced sweating, tying up or slow recovery after exercise. A horse with electrolyte deficiency may be lethargic, depressed, have a dull coat, sunken eyes or pass dark urine.

Dehydration

Excessive loss of water and electrolytes can lead to dehydration, which could be fatal for your horse. Look out for the following symptoms…

• a dull expression
• glazed-over eyes
• dry mucous membranes and gums

When should you offer electrolytes?

Horses may need to have their diets supplemented with electrolytes in order to stay healthy, particularly during warmer weather or harder work. They should assist in recovery and keep your horse healthy and hydrated, though how much you supplement your horse with will depend on a number of factors. Consider how much he sweats, as well as the intensity of hisworkload, his diet and environmental factors such as heat and humidity, to establish what’s required. If you’re unsure, always consult your vet before choosing a product.

How can you provide electrolytes?

Electrolytes come in a variety of forms, including isotonic solutions, powders or pastes. There are a variety of supplements available on the market or, alternatively, you could even prepare one at home. Make sure you check with your vet what you need to include first, though.

With a little research and a chat with your vet, you’re sure to find the perfect balance to keep your horse healthy. With thoughts of your horse’s wellbeing on your mind, you might be considering a new insurance policy to keep him covered. The Insurance Emporium’s Defaqto five-star rated horse insurance includes cover for death, theft or straying as standard. You can then customise your cover with a range of optional benefits.

For more information, visit theinsuranceemporium.co.uk