Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Lisa's comments on thumps

Genetics may very well play a role in this.  This sort of question really
makes me miss research, especially now that I've had the chance to look at
nutritional issues in other species--it's given me a fresh perspective.  The
reason I think genetics could play a role is that DNA codes for things like
ion pumps--most structures in cell membranes that move nutrients and
hormones into and out of cells tend to be specially folded proteins.  I
suspect that as we continue to look into this, we'll find it's a combination
of genetics, nutrition, and conditioning.

I continue to toy with the idea of starting my own consulting firm, and one
of the services I'd like to offer is contracting with companies to monitor
and gather data in on-farm research trials, events, etc.  I'm about an hour
from the University of Pennsylvania's vet school (New Bolton), so I'm in a
great spot.  I just need to iron out the details.  The more I consider it,
the more I think I have a chance at making a go of it.

Incidentally, although this is technically not completely endurance-related,
if any members of the list have ideas for what they'd like to have as far as
nutritional consulting services, please feel free to pass them along to me
privately.
----- Original Message -----
From: "John & Sue Greenall" <greenall@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2002 3:23 PM
Subject: [RC] Lisa's comments on thumps


> Thank you Lisa for a most interesting discription of what "causes"
> thumps.  Tying in the MARE research on potassium free
> electrolytes makes it even more interesting.  They were convinced
> that reduced muscle trembling was related to this.
> So what you are saying is that any muscle, the large hind end
> ones in cows, and probably horses too, can lose Ca+ but for some
> reason, certain horses lose Ca+ in the diaphram causing thumps.
> Why the diaphram remains a question.  Perhaps there is a genetic
> predisposition.  Perhaps that is why certain horses, getting what
> would be considered adequate electrolytes, still thump.
> So, what do we do for them?  Add more Ca+ to their electrolytes?
> Is there one formula higher in Ca+ (someone suggested Lyte-
> Now)?  What form should the Ca+ be in (the cow calcium has been
> known to burn mouths)?  How much Ca+ should be added and in
> what form?
> John and Sue Greenall
> mailto:greenall@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> http://www.vermontel.com/~greenall
>
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 Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
 Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
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