Gastric emptying of oral rehydration solutions at rest and after exercise in horses

We examined the gastric emptying (GE) of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) at rest and after exercise in four Standardbred horses. In one study isotonic, cold isotonic (5 degrees C), isotonic containing glucose and hypertonic fluid were tested at rest. In another study, isotonic fluid was given following a bout of treadmill exercise at 70 per cent VO2 max until exhaustion or at rest. In both studies, a single dose of 8 litres was given via nasogastric tube. GE and electrolyte concentrations (Na+, K+ and Cl-) of the stomach content were measured at 15 minutes intervals for one hour. In both studies, 90 per cent of the fluid was emptied within 15 minutes of administration. There was no treatment effect on electrolyte concentrations in either study but significant changes did occur over time. The data showed that GE is unlikely to significantly affect rehydration.