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Post by Heather T on Apr 15, 2006 14:33:25 GMT -5
but how do you make them drink? Dancer was back at the vet this morning because she was running a low grade fever, was uncomfortable and wanted to roll. She was dehydrated....
This is probably how the whole colic impaction thing started with her to begin with. This horse doesn't like to drink...so all her food will be wet for awhile.
We have tried Equitea, Gatorade, just don't know what else to try.
Does anyone have any suggestions? She has always been like this and apparently will continue to be throughout her life. I'd sure like some suggestions here...
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Post by TessElaine on Apr 15, 2006 15:02:43 GMT -5
My daughter hates water and she loves lemons so when we started adding salt to the lemons her water intake increased tremendously… Salt should help make Dancer thirsty and she will drink more. Add around 1 or 2 ounces of Lite salt (potassium & sodium chloride) or regular salt (non iodized table salt) mixed in syrup (Karo or maple) and add to her grain twice daily so when she nibbles the grain the salt will make her thirsty. The addition of salt to the grain will increase her thirst and lead to increased water intake. There are also some commercial salt and electrolyte pastes that can be given that will increase thirst and thus increase water intake and it will also help keep her hydrated.
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Post by Heather T on Apr 15, 2006 16:40:40 GMT -5
We give electrolytes daily - so you think that'd be enough.....geez.
We'll try just about anything at this point!
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Post by Golden Girl on Apr 16, 2006 11:11:26 GMT -5
Okay Heather, this is what I have done for an animal that was not drinking enough water. I did it for my geriatric gelding, and do it for any horse that I get in for training that does not drink enough. It works for sure!
Soak beat pulp, mix in feed and stir in the electrolytes right in the mixture. For a mini use 1/2 oz. If your feed is damp, then it will not pull the moisture from the gut during the fermentation proses. This should insure that the horse drinks more too! If you feed twice a day, add it twice a day.  I yes, you can also drench you horse with water & electrolytes for a quick fix if you want.
I really hopr little Dancer is all right, give her a kiss & hug from me 
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Post by tricia on Apr 16, 2006 13:55:51 GMT -5
This is how I get my goats to drink more water...First I also add just a little salt to the feed. I give lots of "juicy" treats, watermelon, tomatoes, anything like that (this is when they need a little help). If she'll eat wet or damp feed, then definatly wet it down. Every little bit helps! Maybe she wants her water colder or warmer? Try each. Also maybe add an unsweetened packet of Kool-Aide to the water, or apple cider vinegar. My goats just love both of these added & will slurp it right up! They just don't like plain water! (They've even been known to steal the occasional beer that's set in the wrong place!)  I hope your girl feels better soon |
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Post by merlinsmomtwh on Apr 16, 2006 17:08:12 GMT -5
Have you tried molasses water? I know Parelli adds molasses to his horses' water at home and on tour to give them a familiar taste and provide some minerals...
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Post by merlinsmomtwh on Apr 16, 2006 17:10:26 GMT -5
When Merlin was dehydrated they gave him water by stomach tube the first time, and then I found out he was just tired of being in his stall and depressed from being sick so I led him around outside near his friends and he happily drank from the trough in the pasture. If he had not drank like that he would have had to go to UGA and get IV fluids and be scoped (He had choked).
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Post by downundermum on Apr 17, 2006 5:32:40 GMT -5
Heather we always use molasses in the water we use to damp out feeds. We never feed dry. We also use molasses water when at a comp so the horses will still drink as it is a taste they are used to. We have also used the salt in the feed trick to make them want to drink.
Hope something works for little Dancers sake and yours and Shannons sanity.
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Post by maximumangel on Apr 17, 2006 9:20:50 GMT -5
Heather a girl at my barn has the same probly with her walkaloosa mare, here are the things that have worked for her:
electrolytes in the feed NOT the water (sometimes in the water they wont drink it) then after eating it they will be thirsty
put the feed in water ( if they want to eat they have to drink )
soak all the feed - hay and hay products also the grain (grain see above statement)
Worked everytime for my boarder!
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Post by maximumangel on Apr 17, 2006 9:23:07 GMT -5
Egads I cant type - I meant to say problem! not probly! LOL sorry about that. You can also suringe (sp?) the electrolyes in, that helps too!
Christine
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I yes, you can also drench you horse with water & electrolytes for a quick fix if you want.
