Hot summer days can mean your horse needs special attention especially in areas where it is not only hot, but it high humidity is making life miserable for humans, horses and other animals.
A healthy horse covered with sweat
Common in hot, humid climates, anhydrosis not only creates misery for horses, but also can be life-threatening. Once a veterinarian has diagnosed a case of anhydrosis, several options for treatment are available.
© 2015 by Cheryl Ann Quigley
Occasionally, a horse may develop a problem with his ability to sweat. Horses that donât sweat have a disease known as anhydrosis.
It is thought that the continuous stimulation of the horse's sweat gland receptors causes them to quit responding resulting in the rapid breathing, noticeable flaring of nostrils, panting, and decreased energy that signal a case of anhydrosis.
The horse's temperature may rise to between 102 degrees to 103 degrees when inactive, and with exercise, the temperature may reach 105 to 108 degrees. Brain damage is possible once the horse's temperature exceeds 106 degrees.
Common in hot, humid climates, this condition not only creates misery for horses, but also can be life-threatening. Once a veterinarian has diagnosed a case of anhydrosis, several options for treatment are available.
Recently a powdered feed supplement and an electrolyte-balancing patch have been developed that help prevent anhydrosis in many cases.
According to veterinarians, both the feed supplement powder and the electrolyte-balancing patches are safe and can be used to treat horses before the hot summer season brings on cases of anhydrosis. Because they use naturally balanced electrolyte ingredients that are not prohibited in competitions, they will not test positive in competitive sports.
Research at the University of Florida has shown the value of One AC, a feed supplement consisting of L-tyrosine, cobalt, niacin, and vitamin C developed by Raymond LeRoy, a biochemist from Phoenix. LeRoy theorizes that anhydrosis is caused by a depletion of dopamine in the brain.
"The available dopamine is used first by the brain, second by the cardiovascular system, and third by the sweating system," LeRoy explained. "If the horse is not producing enough dopamine to satisfy the three systems, then sweating is compromised in favor of the brain and cardiovascular system. One AC provides the necessary raw materials to compensate for the depletion, and the animal returns to the sweating function."
A company called Signal Health has a patch which is advertised to restore the horse's sweating. This patented, non-invasive dermal patch serves as a natural electrolyte balancing system.
Developed by Therapina Ltd in the United Kingdom, the SmartCell SignalTM system restores normal cell metabolism by stimulating communication directly between cells in the horseâs body. The patch is marketed under the trade name, âEquiwinner.â
Prevention of anhydrosis
The best prevention is awareness of the horse's physical condition and the contributing components of anhydrosis. Recognizing when a horse is in danger of heat stroke and subsequently restraining the horse from further physical exertion may prevent the development of this condition.
Riding and exercising your horse during the coolest part of the day and keeping him out of the sun are simple, but effective, solutions. A readily available supply of cool drinking water is extremely important, and some horses like to stand in water for the cooling effect it has on their systems.
Keeping the horse in a shady environment with decent air circulation is important. In the stable, fans may be used to circulate and cool the air. Body clipping the horse, if practical, will allow more air close to the skin and help keep the horse's temperature down.
Taking the horse's rectal temperature and maintaining a temperature under 103.5 degrees is important. If the temperature goes higher, you should immediately take steps to cool the horse down by sponging or bathing his head, neck, and legs in cool water to return the horse's temperature to normal. As the horse cools down, his respiratory and heart rates will return to normal.