Page 474 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

Prevention

Some horses are susceptible to recurrent attacks of ERS. The following measures may reduce
VetBooks.ir the likelihood of recurrence.

DIET

• A high-forage diet with good quality hay and a broad spectrum mineral and vitamin
supplement is recommended. The composition of the diet influences the horse’s ability to

absorb electrolytes. A horse on a diet which is composed mainly of good quality forage is
able to absorb and use electrolytes more efficiently than a horse on a high-cereal, low-
forage diet.

• Concentrates high in starch (i.e. mainly cereals) should be avoided and replaced

wherever possible with feeds high in oil and digestible fibre as an energy source. Several
small feeds a day are preferable to two large ones. Hard feed should be reduced if the

horse has any time off work and sudden changes of diet should be avoided. The
recommendation to increase the work of a horse ahead of its feed should be followed, i.e.

the level of work should be increased before more food is given.
• The diet should have a DCAB above 300milliequivalents/kg. Discuss this with an equine

nutritionist.
• For ERS horses a bio-available calcium source such as calcium gluconate may be

beneficial in replacing the calcium lost in processing an acid diet.
• Electrolytes given following periods of heavy sweating such as strenuous exercise or

travelling can help to replace depleted electrolytes and prevent (ERS). By analysing

blood and urine samples taken at the same time, the vet may be able to identify a specific
electrolyte imbalance which could be helped by dietary supplementation.

EXERCISE ROUTINE

• Training programmes should be carefully planned and adhered to so that the demands on

the horse are increased gradually.
• The horse should always be warmed up gently before commencing fast work.

• Sudden increases in the speed or duration of exercise should be avoided.

• Days off should be avoided in susceptible horses. It has been shown that CK levels are

higher after exercise when the horse has just had a day off.
• An exercise sheet should be used to keep the horse warm in cold or wet weather.

• Regular turnout, especially on a day off, may reduce the occurrence of the condition.