Summer is on the Way: Can You Tell Your Horse is
Dehydrated?
by Jean-Pierre Hourdebaight, LMT
www.animalawareness.com
During the massage of your horse, you can easily assess if
your animal shows signs of dehydration or not. Though the quality of your
touch, you can tell. Usually a general loss of skin elasticity and an
increase in muscle tone are the two most common forerunner signs of
dehydration. As you apply some gentle effleurage, wringing and kneading
massage movements, the feedback your fingertips will give you - the 4 T's,
Temperature, Texture, Tension and Tenderness- you will quickly pick up on
the slight change of both the elasticity of the body tissues under your
finger and in the slightly harder than usual muscle tone in your horse's
musculature.
The easiest way to check your horse skin elasticity is to
simply but gently lift up the loose skin over the back and watch for its
mobility. A slow return to normal can be a sign of dehydration. You can
perform the same procedure over the flank and lower neck if you wish.
Because of the large content of water in the body, the "rather slow skin
capillary refill time" is considered a signs of dehydration. Remember that,
like humans, over 70% of the horse's weight is water. Practice this simple
"trick" often so you develop a sense of what a normal, well hydrated skin
feels like. Soon you will quickly detect even small changes in your animal
skill flexibility.
General stiffness during stretching exercises can also be
a forerunner sign of dehydration. As you regularly stretch your horse, you
will develop an awareness of what is musculoskeletal flexibility is capable
of. Any changes from that would be revealing of possible dehydration or
stiffness resulting from other factors such as increased activity or
training exercises. The fascia system of the body has many functions, one of
them being to act as a huge water reservoir. So when one becomes dehydrated,
one becomes increasingly stiff.
Water is one of the most important nutrients in your
horse's body. Horses can go for days without food, but not water. They can
lose up to 40 percent of their body weight and still survive. But when a
horse loses 20 percent of his body's water, his bodily functions shut down,
causing serious illnesses. It can become critical, as a 25 percent water
loss could lead to his death. It is crucial for your horse to have easy
access to fresh water at all times. Dehydration is common in horses, and it
can lead to serious problems.
It is important to understand that many factors can play
in the dehydration of your horse. When your animal is at stall rest, or
simply cannot move easily due to age or other existing condition, you need
to insure that he gets access to fresh water regularly. Here is a list of
some of common signs of dehydration that you should be aware of:
1. Loss of skin elasticity
2. Tight muscle tone
3. Slow capillary refill time
4. Lethargy
5. Sunken eyes
6. Dry gums
7. Increased heart rate
8. Depression
If you notice your horse doesn't feel well, if he has quit
eating, or drinking, if he has been exposed to excessive amounts of heat
without water, or if he has diarrhea and not keeping water down, the safest
thing is to do is to assume is that the horse is dehydrated. This may not
always be the case but assuming that it is dehydration is the safest
approach. When in doubt contact your veterinarian immediately.
It's so important for you to make sure that water is
always available to your horse so he stays hydrated. At your favorite tack
shop, or on-line, you can find all kinds of water buckets, and other
appliances to ensure your animals have always access to plenty of water when
they need it!
Your educated hands can always tell when there are changes
in your animal muscle and skin tone. Regular massage check up will help you
prevent dehydration in your loved pet.
I hope you enjoyed this article and found the information
useful. My goal is help you provide quality home care for the benefit of
your animal.
_________________________________
About Jean-Pierre Hourdebaight, LMT
Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt, (pronounced Hoo-Da-Bay) a
Licensed Massage Therapist, is internationally renowned for his unique
Massage Awareness Method. During twenty-eight years of practice, he has
worked with horses of all ages, disciplines, and at all levels of fitness
and competition. Jean-Pierre believes that regardless of discipline, a horse
is an athlete with key anatomical features that need to be addressed.
His techniques are used by competitive and recreational
riders, veterinarians and veterinary technicians, physiotherapists, massage
therapists, farriers, trainers, and breeders worldwide. He is the author of
many books. You can contact Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt personally at
561-537-0366. For more information, video downloads and articles visit
www.animalawareness.com.
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