During alkalosis, potassium ions move inside cells to let hydrogen ions OUT
of the cells to establish a more normal pH. So, it may appear that the horse
has lower serum potassium when in fact it's really just inside the cells as
opposed to outside the cells. HOwever, if the horse is also dehydrated, it
may appear as if the horse's serum K+ is normal even though it's LOW from
being used- I guess there are a lot of factors to consider here...
SO wouldnt' the lack of ions available to the gut during endurance cause the
fluid to leave the gut as well, which in and of itself can be a cause of
colic?
I like most of the reasons listed here, definitely words to consider, esp
since I am a vet student.
Gwen
.
>This loss of potassium from working muscles is apparently an established
>fact (I may be able to dig out some references if someone wants the source
>work). I find the second theory particularly interesting.
>Low blood potassium, for instance, as would occur after sweating with
>exercise, and after the horse had some time to recover its muscle potassium
>(suck it out of the blood back to the muscle) could be the culprit in the
>reduction in gut motility and in the severe colics we have occasionally
>encountered one or more hours after finishing a 50 mile ride.
>
>Comments, please?
>
>Anne Barnes
>Murdoch University
>Western Australia
>Dr. Anne Barnes
>Lecturer, Veterinary Reproduction
>School of Veterinary Studies
>Murdoch University
>Murdoch, W. A. 6150
>Australia
>Phone : (09) 360 2643
>Fax : (09) 310 7495.
>
>
Gwen Dluehosh
Desert Storm Arabians
1156 Hightop Rd, #89
Blacksburg, VA 24060
540/953-1792