Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Ice up...

This might be a stupid question, but how can shoving ice in an animal's
rectum be considered the same as giving electrolytes?  Strikes me as being a
little on the cruel side, actually.  I know I wouldn't want someone shoving
ice up MY butt to bring down my body temperature or slow my respirations. I
know some folks are going to counter with "but the large intestine is a
major site of water absorption, so it's another way of rehydrating"...but
purely from a nutritionist's point of view I still have to look at that one
sideways.  Electrolytes are replacing critical minerals in a way that is
both natural and not prone to shocking the system.  A rectum full of ice is
NOT a natural way to bring down body temp nor is it a natural method of
rehydrating an animal.  Plus, if vets are using body temp as a criterion for
recovery, that's as bad as a kid holding a thermometer under hot tap water
to convince mom he has a temp and shouldn't go to school.

Lisa (prefers her ice in  perfectly brewed, lightly sweetened, real lemon
only iced tea!)


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