cramping after racing

Hi Jimbob,

Kruschen salts is a good product that does help with cramping, mainly because the main ingredient is magnesium sulphate, and the fact that it also contains potassium in an easily absorbed form is also very beneficial.

In regard to the AMP5, the main ingredient here is Adenosine Mono phosphate and this is very simular in structure to the Adenosine Tri Phosphate that muscle tissue is able to use as an instant energy source.

I do agree that injecting AMP5 in the muscle tissue so close to racing can create pain at the injection site, and if this is severe enough it can nullify any benefits gained from the substance injected. At the same time because the AMP paste has to go through the digestive system it is unlikely to work as well as the injection, but certainly worth a try.

It has to be kept in mind that muscles cramp when they either run out of one or more of the essential electrolytes, or the muscle tissue runs out of useable energy.
Of the essential electrolytes, calcium is in fact the most important to efficient muscle contractions, so increasing the calcium content of the diet can often have beneficial results for dogs that cramp.

In regard to running out of energy it is providing this instant energy in the form of either ATP or AMP injections that then solves the problem in the short term for that specific run only. However in the long term injecting before every run is fraught with danger.

Muscle tissue gains energy from the diet, and specifically from the carbohydrates in the diet. It is therefore also worthwhile looking at providing the greyhound with an increase in carbohydrates in the diet by including pasta both the night before and for breakfast.

Cheers,
Tom