Post by Calaminty Jane on Apr 21, 2010 10:31:13 GMT -5
Summer is on the Way: Can You Tell Your Horse is Dehydrated?
by Jean-Pierre Hourdebaight, LMT
www.animalawareness.com
Posted: Monday, April 19, 2010
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.
by Jean-Pierre Hourdebaight, LMT
www.animalawareness.com
Posted: Monday, April 19, 2010
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.