The effects of feeding sodium chloride pellets on the gastric mucosa, acid‐base, and mineral status in exercising horses

Abstract Background Electrolyte supplementation may be a risk factor for gastric mucosal lesions, but relevant evidence is limited in horses. Hypothesis Investigate the effects of PO sodium chloride (NaCl) supplementation on the gastric mucosa of exercising horses. We hypothesized that NaCl supplementation would neither cause nor exacerbate existing gastric mucosal damage. Animals Fifteen 3‐year‐old healthy Warmblood stallions from a stud farm. Methods Placebo‐controlled study with a crossover design. Horses were fed either a NaCl pellet at a dosage adequate to replace the electrolyte losses in 10 L sweat or a placebo for 19 days with a washout period of 14 days between treatments. The gastric mucosa was evaluated by gastroscopy before and after treatment. Blood samples were collected for evaluation of acid‐base status, packed cell volume (PCV), and total protein, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen concentrations. Urine was collected, and urine specific gravity, electrolyte, creatinine, and urea concentrations were measured. Results The initial prevalence of gastric mucosal lesions was 85%. Sodium chloride pellets did not adversely affect the gastric mucosa and treatment did not significantly alter the hematologic and serum biochemical variables. Urine creatinine concentrations significantly decreased and urinary sodium concentrations significantly increased after supplementation with NaCl pellets. Water intake did not significantly differ between treatments. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Daily NaCl pellet supplementation is a palatable and safe way to replace electrolyte losses from sweating in exercising horses and has no negative effects on the gastric mucosa.