Dehydration

[buzzles]

I know that to test for dehydration you pinch the skin and it should go back to place, but what if theres a patch of skin, just at the base of the neck and top of shoulder area on both sides where the skin feel tough and tight and doesn't go back when it's pinched? Could this be a sign of dehydration? When the skin is pinched on other parts of his body it goes back fine it's just these 2 patches. Horse is well in himself and has drank 2 buckets of water since last night. He also has an automatic water feeder and a salt lick. Any ideas?

 

[Fairynuff]

Try pressing against his gums and counting how long it takes for the pinkness to return. A non dehydrated horse will have a capillary refill almost immediately while a horse with mild dehydration will need about 3 to 4 seconds to refill. If youre in doubt about his water intake, close his waterer and give him his water in buckets that can be measured. Mairi.

 

[buzzles]

Thanks Mairi, he has a capillary refill of 2-3 seconds. He has two buckets of water in his stable and he has drank half a bucket today. He's not mine so have rang his owner.
He's just recovered from being poorly with a severe allergic reaction so it might be some sort of after effect of this as he was on strong medication and developed a serious rash and swelling. Anyway he seems in fine form, eating and pooing as normal. He's had electolytes and I'm getting some speedibeet for him later which hopefully will get some fluid into him. If I'm still worried tomorrow I'll get the vet out.

 

[Fairynuff]