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Re: [RC] Anhydrosis - spirittxarabiansI had a horse with a similar problem. I put him on the supplement One A/C, but was told by our veterinarian that the supplement can take a full season before it really takes effect. So, I was told to not overwork him in the heat, keep him in a stall with a fan during the day, etc. and that after going through the winter on the One A/C, he should be much better by the following Spring. I was also told by an equine nutritionist from Austrailia (when I was searching for changes in diet or supplements that might help also), that the climate conditions in Austrailia were similar to ours in Texas and the problem was common in their area. He said our ration looked good to him, but that I was not giving enough daily electrolytes. He suggested feeding loose livestock salt (about $3 for a 50 lb bag at the feed store) with both grain rations at the rate of 1 ounce per feeding. I did that and it helped. He didn't show much improvement over the summer, which is what I was told to expect from our vet. But, by l
ate fall he had started sweating as much as our other horses. As your friend is doing, I also checked his temperature frequently. It is the best way to tell if you have a horse that is too hot. I agree with you that the elevated respiration is probably from being too hot, not from a breathing problem. If he can't seem to get his breathing back to normal and his temperature is normal, then have a vet determine if there are other issues.
Even though my horse was doing much better by fall, I was still afraid that something might go wrong - run out of the One A/C and have it be back ordered, the barn help forget to give it to him, etc., arrive at a ride and find out the temperature was unseasonly hot or be 10 miles from camp and have him overheat on a ride in the late Spring or early fall. Horses can die from heat stroke, just like we can. So, I found him a new home in Canada, where he is able to continue competing in endurance, which he seemed to really enjoy and the temperatures don't get over 75 degrees Farenheit. I have had several vets tell me that horses with non-sweating disorders seem to greatly improve when sent to live up North. From the reports and photos from his new owner I made the right decision for him.
Selena
spirittxarabians@xxxxxxx www.spirittxarabians.com -----Original Message----- From: Barb Peck <bpeck9191@xxxxxxxxxxxx> To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Mon, 19 Jun 2006 09:41:54 -0400 (GMT-04:00) Subject: [RC] Anhydrosis This isn't endurance related... but this is a hard working horse, 'so thought maybe some of you would have an additional idea: One of friends daughter's horses is an 9 yr old OTT throrobred, raced untill 6 years old. 16 hands, fairly well muscled (I think he looks more QH than thorobred) and fit. He's been coming along doing eventing and now doing some serious work. Starting last year, he wasn't sweating enough- and since then his owners have done everything possible in the way of nutrition, supplements, his feed and work schedule, blood tests to rule out viral (elevated WBC, etc) other stuff, etc.. and he still has the problem. Yesterday afternoon, he was ridden 4 miles at speed on dirt road that are extremely steep/hilly. The temp was 90 degrees humiditywas about 60%. His temp before leaving was 99.9 respirations heart rate were normal for him 42/16. >From her description, to me it sounded like he was only lightly sweating (he should have benn dripping wet IMO) Immediately after finishing, he was panting, respirations were >100 , my friend couldn't get an accurate heart rate (but she's sure it was lower than 100) and internal temp was 103. It took a half hr. with continual hosing of cold water, and walking to get him back to normal. Trotting out after 40 minutes, his HR & respirations remained normal. The horse is being treated for anhydrosis, but owner thinks he may also not be getting enough air into the lungs.. I think his panting (prolonged respirations) is soley do to not being able to cool his internal temp thru sweating. Anyone out there have any ideas? These people are doing everything right and are expereinced horse people. Is there any thing else they can try? Thanks, Barb =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email and IM. All on demand. Always Free.
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