by Tamara Baysinger
3/9/2021
I love seminar notes. Rarely can I take the time to go back and watch an entire presentation, but I do re-read my scribbles for a refresher on the key points. I hope that sharing them here will be helpful to you as well.
Of course, I can’t possibly share all the details from this stellar session by Langdon Fielding, DVM, MBA, DAVECC, DACVSMR, and self-proclaimed electrolyte fanatic. To really take advantage of his generosity, register with AERC to access the 2021 Unconventional Convention content, which will be available through the end of March 2021.
Sodium in Endurance Horses
Dr. Fielding began by sharing a typical lab panel taken from an “Ain’t Doin’ Right” horse at an endurance ride. The panel showed higher than normal sodium and lower than normal potassium, chloride, and calcium. He posed the question: Is the problem here too much sodium or too little water? This horse’s sodium was high. How did it get that way? Either he was given too many electrolytes, or he lost more water through sweat then he replaced by drinking. He may also have been dehydrated before the start.
If the horse’s lab panel had shown low sodium levels instead, Dr. Fielding would have been asking if we didn’t administer enough electrolytes, or if the horse actually drank too much. He observed that although it is possible (such as after a tough haul), horses rarely begin rides deficient in electrolytes...
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