Re: RC: RC: Potassium low/sodium OK

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 5/15/00 5:40:17 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
truman.prevatt@netsrq.com writes:

<< That may be true in most areas of the US. However, in the SE and along the 
gulf
 coast, the summer heat and humidity can be so oppressive that the intake from
 forage cannot keep up with the lost.  >>

Truman, I don't dispute that.  My main point is that there is a lot more to 
the picture than simply looking at a circulating level, assuming the horse is 
deficient by X amount based on that, and shoving it in.  Certainly there can 
be special circumstances where the conditions warrant supplementation--but 
they are not the "norm".  And losses that occur during rides warrant 
supplementation for a great many horses.  But without looking at the whole 
metabolic picture at a ride, simply assuming that the solution to a somewhat 
low K is to shove more in, especially in view of more normal sodium and 
chloride, could be a mistake.  I think Barb is right--one key is to look at 
the sodium and chloride levels.  The horse that is losing potassium in an 
effort to cool will also be losing sodium and chloride.

Heidi