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Gwen Robison
Member
Username: Gwen
Post Number: 193
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Monday, Aug 14, 2006 - 9:13 pm: |   |
I am not sure if I want to know the answer to this, but what is causing my qh to have salty residue upon sweating? He sweats more than the average bear, especially in a few hot spots on his neck, but I am noticing that the salt (white stuff) is all over as his sweat dries. |
Susan Jeys
Member
Username: Sjeys
Post Number: 80
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Monday, Aug 14, 2006 - 10:11 pm: | |
This happened to all my horses this year...we have had record 105 degree weather in N. Texas. I just assumed it was hot, hot weather and them sweating all the time. It actually faded out my dark bay's coat and you can see his dapples after the salt bleaches out his coat.  Hopefully it isn't something more sinister... |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 16394
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Tuesday, Aug 15, 2006 - 6:56 am: | |
It is normal for horses to sweat heavily when it is very hot and normal for it to leave a salt residue when it dries.
DrO |
Beverly
Member
Username: Jockyrdg
Post Number: 19
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Aug 15, 2006 - 7:35 am: | |
If your horses have limited access to fresh pasture and are in work during theses sweating periods you might consider supplementing with electrolytes. Be sure they have access to a salt block daily. Check this site for details. |
Gwen Robison
Member
Username: Gwen
Post Number: 194
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, Aug 15, 2006 - 8:00 am: | |
Well from what I have read, (and I could be very wrong) qh's should avoid electrolytes due to the elevated potassium levels. My horse had high numbers last time blood was taken. I have also heard mixed reviews on mineral blocks. I don't want to change this topic though! Thanks for all of the information! |
Beverly
Member
Username: Jockyrdg
Post Number: 20
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Aug 15, 2006 - 9:19 am: | |
Gwen, it sounds like your quarter horse has been tested for potassium induced periodic paresis, carried through the Impressive line and now available in other breeds through cross breeding. Indeed you should stay away from any potassium sources and I'm sure you are on their special diet as well. As far as I know, this is not a disease which afflicts all quarter horses, but if one is not sure, certainly not using electrolytes is good to be on the safe side. I mentioned access to a salt block not a mineral block, two different concepts. You would be hard put to find any source not recommending the access of salt to a horse either through a block, brick, loose salt in the feed or "salt box". Since we are mentioning salt, remember lite salt is different from reg salt. Lite salt is potassium rich, that you would want to stay away from if your horse has PIPP |
Gwen Robison
Member
Username: Gwen
Post Number: 195
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, Aug 15, 2006 - 10:30 am: | |
Thanks Beverly. He has been tested for HYPP and is n/n, but for some reason had high levels of potassium. He is currently on a diet for EPSM. He is an ongoing health challenge for me. If anyone knows of a medical program looking for an "project", let me know. He would be a great specimen!! |
Shelley
Member
Username: Sswiley
Post Number: 216
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Aug 15, 2006 - 3:50 pm: | |
Just a word of caution about those salty areas.
My old mare had an unusual amount on her topline during those 100 + weeks. I would hose her every couple days. But the salt dried and caked a little in between. Finally I brought her in for a good soapy bath. The hair just started falling out on her whole topline in small clumps. Poor thing was left with just some peachfuzz. Her skin seemed perfectly healthy under the hair. But fly season is far from over and she has very little protection up there where her tail has a hard time reaching. So now she needs a fly sheet which of course makes her sweat more. Arrrgh.
I imagine there was some kind of skin affliction going on that liked salty enviornments. Next time I am going to make a point of washing all the salt off thouroghly each time. Maybe use soap. |
