Preventing Heat-Related Problems in Racehorses

On warm, hot, humid or still conditions, or if requested by the state veterinarian, please:

• Cool horses before and after races with cold water
• Remove saddles and blinkers promptly after the race
• Apply large amounts of cold water as soon as possible
• Scrape off the water before walking back to the stable area (water remaining on horse’s back will hold in heat and inhibit cooling)

Preventing Heat Stress:

• Inform the state vet if your horse has a history of problems with heat
• Have drinking water available (for horses and grooms)
• Do not withdraw water before racing on hot, humid days – dehydrated horses are more prone to heat stress
• While horses lose electrolytes sweating, it is not necessary (nor permitted) to administer electrolytes within 24 hours prior to racing. Electrolytes may be given with the regular diet and/or 24 hours prior to racing. Post-race replacement electrolyte therapy is beneficial
• Ensure enough staff is available in the paddock and following unsaddling to provide extra help in bathing and cooling out
• Bring a bucket with ice, sponge and scraper to the paddock
• Immediately after race, apply plenty of water following unsaddling AND THEN remove/scrape off any excess water (water remaining on horse’s back will hold in heat and inhibit cooling)
• Apply cold water and/or ice to the neck and between the legs (location of large blood vessels)
• Soak blinkers and fly sheets in ice prior to placing them on horse

Signs to Watch For:

• Staggering, weakness, stiff gait (similar to tying up), extreme exhaustion – can progress to rearing, falling and scrambling to rise even leading to seizures, coma and death
• Shaddow, uneven respiration, “thumps”
• Dry and/or congested appearance of gyms +/- delayed Capillary Refill Time (>3 seconds)
• Increased temperature that is not returning to normal (>106°F)
• Heart rate remaining elevated (>60 beats per minute)

Treatment:

• Notify a veterinarian immediately – in severe cases where a horse is staggering or weak, it will need immediate veterinary care including medication +/- IV fluids
• Continue to apply cold water to the horse, scraping warmed water off frequently and reapplying cold water (water remaining on horse’s back will hold in heat and inhibit cooling)