Heatstroke? Advice please

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AstralDiamonds

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Hi,
My mare was out in the field today(a lush green one if that makes any difference) and its been quite warm. She was stood in the same spot for a very long time and seemed very off/down. We've got her in the stable and she seems to have perked up a little bit and is eating abit but hasn't pooed for hours which is abit odd for her and she's still quite hot.
Just wondering if anyone new what might be up with her/ any idea's what to do. Is probably nothing, but I thought someone here is much more likely to have any idea than me!
Thanks in advance.
 
One of mine doesn't like the heat much, will sweat quite a bit on a day like today. Do you have a field shelter? That would help, then she could get out of the sun.

I usually hose my horse off before putting away full body hose then legs fora while, to help cool down. Seems to help. Or, consider turning out at night. Saying that our stables also get very hot so I guess it depends.
 
I wouldnt take any chances and would phone the vet. Could be anything from the onset of laminitis, colic from too much lush grass, heatstroke as you suggest, dehydration. I would certainly be concerned about the lack of pooing. Thats not normal. Not worth wondering about, ring your vet.
 
Lush grass and an unhappy horse could mean a gassy colic attack. Bring her in and only offer water. Monitor her for an hour or so to see if she poos. Listen for gut sounds. Is her breathing normal or is she giving deep groans? Is she up/down/up in her stable? Lifting her tail but nothing happening? Pulse rate up? If you see any of these symptoms or if she doesn't poo or improve within an hour or 2, vet. Gassy colic is still colic and can be as dangerous. Do let us know how she is x
 
If you have some bute give her 2 sachets and if she doesnt pass droppings within about 40mins after that - then Id be calling the vet. If shes very warm cold hosing her - legs at least- would be a good idea. I saw a horse with heatstroke yesterday. make sure shes drinking - if that involves putting something appetising in the water - then do that (eg molasses or something).
 
I agree with everyone else - could be a range of things, so i'd watch her for a while and call the vet. If it turns out to be dehydration, try putting a little bit of salt in her feed every day to encourage her to drink more. I live in Australia, so we get some really hot days, and I find that salt really helps to ensure my tb drinks enough water.
 
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