Potassium (K)

AT A GLANCE:

Potassium is important for nerve impulses and muscle function. It is also involved in acid-base balance, enzymatic function, protein synthesis and glucose metabolism. It is mainly intra-cellular. Potassium is also stored in the large intestine. Potassium plays a role in the drainage of the body (diuresis).

Electrolytes and their roles:

Stimulation of thirst (rehydration/renal function)
Regulation of nerve impulses (balance of electrical charges)
Regulation of muscular contraction/relaxation cycles (lack of electrolytes =>myopathy)
Involvement in blood coagulation

Pay attention, a single excessive dose may induce stomach ulcers.

A lack of muscle relaxation can be induced by a hydro-electrical unbalance.

Electrolytes and rehydration:

Electrolytes loss in sweat in the healthy adult horse is essentially linked to the work load, temperature and humidity.

In extreme conditions a horse may lose up to 12 l of sweat per hour. (Weigh your horse before and after effort!)

Sweat composition:

Sodium (3.1 g/l)
Chloride (5.3 g/l)
Potassium (1.6 g/l)
plus calcium, magnesium, phosphate,…

Feed can compensate for some electrolytes losses:

Forage is rich in electrolytes
A salt block furnishes an average of 10 g of salt per day (just enough to cover the needs for a horse at rest)
Additional electrolytes must be given after heavy exercise or in hot conditions.