Anyone given electrolytes via syringe like wormer?

[igglepiggle]

If so, which were good/cost effective? I've seen some that are paste and some that are liquid but which you can also squirt directly into the mouth. My horse will not eat hard feed or drink water if they have had electrolytes added and I could use just salt but just wondered whether others had tried the alternatives?

 

[Bossanova]

Yes, for a horse that wouldnt eat it in his feed. He'd get the recommended dose after an event. Not practical/cost effective for regular use but after heavy sweating at a comp it's a good solution

 

[JaneB]

Just make sure the horse has access to plenty of drinking water when you give electrolytes by syringe, though, as if the horse doesn't get enough, the salts draw water from the body into the gut making the dehydration worse.
You can always mix the prescribed amount of powdered electrolytes with a little water and syringe in.

 

[ajn1610]

You can make your own with Lo Salt and table salt (think it's 2:1 but not sure so check) Mix it with apple sauce/ baby food and put it in a big syringe. Cheap as Chips

 

[mrdarcy]

Plus very important that the horse is drinking ordinary water before you start giving them electrolytes either in the water or via syringe. Some horses won't drink away from home at comps - if that's the case wait until you get home, and the horse has drunk before you give any electrolytes.

 

[wonkey_donkey]

I use a salt and low salt mix in my horses feed but don't think it's a good idea to syringe it straight down horses throats with a binder (unless it is in very small amounts)

If using a syringe electrolyte stick to the proper brand makes IMO as they are very good for occasional use.

 

[igglepiggle]

Thanks for the advice. He doesn't drink at shows and I normally use the syringe just to put water on the back of his tongue but now will forget electrolyte paste and just add salt to his dinner, by which time he'll have drunk at home in his stable. Thanks all