"... remember correctly a few years ago a
horse being pulled and then given fluids via an NG tube..."
I almost lost Ranger due to colic at a ride.
He was initially treated via a NG tube. The problem was not that he
was over hydrated, but that his gut was shutting down. Anything given
by NG tube just sat there until it refluxed out. An hour later he was on
an IV, 3 hours later at a super vet hospital. Yes, he did recover and has
gone on to race another day.
To tube or not to tube a colicy horse is a
difficult medical decision. I suspect that in most cases the better
treatment is to give IV fluids. Please note: Each case is different and
the treating vet working with the owner/rider of the horse will have to
make this type of call.
Ed
Ed & Wendy Hauser 2994 Mittower
Road Victor, MT 59875
