Can electrolyte imbalances initiate chronic tying-up episodes?
Scientific investigations in England have suggested imbalances of electrolytes (sodium, calcium, and phosphorus) contribute to tying-up. Horses affected with tying-up showed marked improvement after sodium was added to the ration or the ration was balanced for a proper calcium:phosphorus ratio. In particular, endurance horses require electrolyte supplementation before, during, and after competition. Other equine athletes may need additional salt in their diets as well. In the United States, however, electrolyte imbalance does not seem to the be the primary cause of recurrent tying-up.
