tube or IV??

["Dot Wiggins" <dotwgns@ruralnetwork.net>]

Just for discussion:       A vet I know who has worked many Endurance rides
since the 70's   is reluctant to give fluids by tube to horses with
dehydration or beginning colic symptons.    He prefers to IV at the early
onset of a problem.
His reasoning is the fluids reach the hind gut quicker than by tube, expect
he has other reasons, too.
I have very limited experience (been super lucky over the years) with this,
but in the only time my horse was treated for very mild post ride
uneasyness, plus dehydration,  (new horse that wouldn't drink well) the IV
worked like a charm.   He was bright-eyed and eating in less than an hour
with one bag of fluid.    It is possible he would have been ok with out
treatment, but you can't take that chance.

Would be interested in some Vet's comments on both methods.
Thanks

Dot