Heat Stroke & Exertional Hyperthermia
A life-threatening heat build-up when heat dissipation can no longer withstand the load and/or ambient heat — often combined with dehydration. Body temperature rises sharply and circulatory collapse is possible. This is an emergency.
Veterinary care required
This condition belongs in veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Compounds are at most supportive.
Priority · vet & management
EMERGENCY: stop work immediately, move to shade/draught, cool continuously with plenty of cool water (over large areas, scrape off) and offer water — and call the vet AT ONCE (infusion/circulatory stabilisation). No compounds in the acute situation.
Possible causes
- · intense load in heat/high humidity
- · insufficient water/electrolyte intake
- · lack of cooling, transport in hot trailers
- · disturbed sweating (see anhidrosis)
Supportive compounds · supplementary feed, not medication
Prevention
On hot days adapt intensity and duration, work in the cooler edges of the day, provide sufficient water and electrolytes and cool actively and consistently.
Equiterna's take
Equiterna treats heatstroke as a pure emergency with no supplement recommendation: here immediate cooling, shade, water and the vet count. Prevention lies in load and climate management.
Usage note
This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.
Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.