Liikahisissä

Liikahisissä is a Finnish term that translates to "overheating" or "overexertion" and commonly refers to a state of physiological distress in horses caused by excessive physical activity, particularly in warm or humid conditions. This condition arises when a horse's metabolic rate increases significantly during strenuous exercise, leading to a rapid rise in body temperature. Normally, horses possess efficient mechanisms for dissipating heat, such as sweating and increased respiration. However, when the rate of heat production surpasses the body's ability to lose it, core body temperature can climb to dangerous levels.

Factors contributing to liikahisissä include intense exercise for prolonged periods, inadequate acclimatization to heat, dehydration, obesity, and poor fitness levels. Symptoms can range from mild signs of fatigue and increased heart rate to severe manifestations like staggering, collapse, muscle tremors, and even colic. Early recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent serious complications. Treatment involves immediate cessation of exercise, cooling the horse with water, providing shade, and offering electrolytes and water once the horse is calm and able to drink. Prevention strategies focus on gradual training, proper hydration, acclimatization to environmental conditions, and monitoring the horse's condition closely during exercise.