b'Ask the Vet continued from page 5Commercial feeds normally contain 0.5-1.0% salt, soget that trigger and may end up dehydrated, causing horses on this type of feed will typically consume lessa number of issues including compaction and colic. If free choice salt than horses not receiving salt in theirhorses are salt starved, it may be a good idea to limit the feed. They may still benet from having loose saltamount of salt put out for them until they have adjusted available free choice. A salt block is better than nottheir intake.having any salt available free choice, but may not be as effective in maintaining salt intake in cold weather orSodium is the main electrolyte found in the blood and when high intakes are required in hot weather. the uid surrounding cells. If sodium levels are low, the blood wont hold enough water. This causes the adrenal Dont use molasses-sweetened salt blocks, as horsesgland to release the hormone aldosterone, which tells the sometimes consume these like candy, even biting offkidneys not to let any sodium leave the body. When the choke-sized chunks. kidneys hold on to sodium, they excrete potassium in its place, creating an imbalance.It is essential that fresh clean water at an appropriate temperature be available at all times as well. UnlikeInadequate sodium intake can promote or aggravate humans whoconditions such as anhydrosis (lack of or inadequate will drink whensweating), tying up (a muscular disorder resulting in stiff they are thirsty,and/or trembling muscles after exertion), and a rapid horses need aheart rate.trigger to drink. Without saltIt can also inuence the horse to avoid drinking water available, someas the body seeks to keep from ushing away sodium. horses dontNever add salt to your horses water. Instead of using common mineral blocks, try using a natural mineral rock, such as a Himalayan from Pakistan. This will get them to lick regularly again, help get their minerals naturally, and give them a true trigger for hydration.ArizonaRealCountry.com May 2019 7'