Page 87 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

A small trickle of watery nasal discharge is normal. If it is profuse, thick or coloured, the

horse may be suffering from an allergy or infection.
VetBooks.ir Loss of appetite

Some horses seem to eat anything whilst others are very fussy. If a normally greedy horse

refuses to eat, it is a sure sign that there is something wrong.

Reduced number of droppings, constipation and diarrhoea

With horses that are stabled overnight, you should be familiar with the usual number and
consistency of droppings passed. Many horses and ponies will have loose droppings if they
are anxious, excited or have just been moved onto lush, new pasture. If a stabled horse passes

fewer droppings overnight that are firmer than normal, the animal should be observed
carefully as it might be developing an impaction or obstruction.

Urine

The colour of a horse’s urine varies from yellow to a light brown. It is normal for it to be
cloudy, especially at the end of urination. Very dark reddish brown urine is abnormal and the

cause should be investigated. Horses often urinate if put into a box with fresh straw. This is
the best time to collect a sample and observe if there is any abnormality.

Dehydration

If you gently pinch together a fold of the horse’s skin, it should go back to its normal position
almost immediately. If there is a delay of a few seconds, the horse is likely to be dehydrated.

This may occur if the horse is not drinking enough or has lost an abnormal amount of fluid,
e.g. through severe exertion and sweating or diarrhoea.

Sweating

Horses sweat if they are worked and also if they are, hot, excited or nervous. Sweating at rest
can be a sign of pain or disease.

Mucous membranes

The mucous membranes of the horse should be salmon pink in colour. These can be

examined on the gums and around the eye. If they are very pale, or have a yellow or