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Exercise
Proper conditioning is very important in preventing ER. Beginning with a base of
long, slow distance work will ensure that the horse has a foundation before
proceeding on to more strenuous work. The horse should always have a 10-minute
warm-up at the walk and trot before more strenuous work is begun, and should
always have a proper cool down of 10 minutes.
It is best that a horse receive exercise everyday, or possibly twice a day, to
prevent the recurrence of ER. If possible, avoid breaks of the horse's exercise
schedule. If for some reason the horse cannot receive training, he should at
least be ridden, driven, longed, or turned out.
Daily pasture turnout is ideal for horses likely to suffer from ER, as it
provides exercise and adds roughage to the animal's diet.
Supplements & Drugs As with any supplements and drugs, it is best to confer with
your vet as to the recommended dosages. Some drugs are not allowed in
competition, and may need to be withheld a few days before.
Adding potassium and salt to the diet may be beneficial to horses that suffer
from recurrent bouts of ER. Horses in hard training may need a vitamin E
supplement, as their requirements are higher than horses in more moderate work.
The horse may also be deficient in selenium, and need a feed in supplement.
Selenium can be dangerous if overfed, so it is best to have a blood test to
confirm that the horse is in need of supplemental selenium.
Thyroid hormone supplementation is often beneficial for horses with low thyroid
activity (only do so if the horse has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism).
Other drugs that have been used with success include phenytoin, dantrolene, and
dimetyl glycine.
Bicarbonate and NSAIDs are of no use in preventing ER.
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