ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] metabolic problem
[endurance] metabolic problem
Laura K. Trouse (szerelk@mail.auburn.edu)
Thu, 30 Nov 1995 16:24:32 -0600 (CST)
Several days ago I posted a problem I was having with my gelding.
At a few rides he developed an "eratic heartrate" after about 40
miles, in 50 mile rides.
Thanks for all the responses. I would like to clarify a couple things I
was asked, and ask another question.
First, when this has happened, all his other parameters were
excellent, good hydration, membranes, skin tent, low pulse, etc...>
Yes he has
salt available at all times, in
his stall, in his pasture, in the trailer, and in a bucket at the rides.
Yes, I have very faithfully been giving him electrolytes during the ride,
usually at every check....here's where I believe my problem came in....
The electrolytes I've been using ALL YEAR!! are essentially ground up
rock, and not finely ground at that. I had not realized that the mix was
not soluble in water until my last ride (where he did very well by the way!).
Usually I mix the electrolytes in apple sauce, but I forgot some so I
just mixed them in water.
Boy oh boy!! I shook and shook and stirred and after several minutes, all
these chunks of whatever it is still settled to the bottom of my
syringe.It's fairly safe to assume if they won't dissolve readily (and a
week later they still haven't disolved!) they are not going to be readily
absorbed either!!
I believe this is why we have been running into problems late in the ride
because that is when his lack of K+ has been catching up with him,
(probably would have sooner if we'd been going faster) thanks to my
choice of electrolyte mixes.
Ok, now please tell me some good electrolyte mixes you have had good
results with, because they are not all equal, as I have found out the
HARD WAY!!
Laura Szeremi-Trouse
VET2B
Auburn, Alabama