Horse not right - with peeing issues

Noodlejaffa

Noodlejaffa

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www.ailsamactaggart.co.uk
My mare isn't always the most forward going of creatures, but has been out winning BD Novice classes the last few months and generally had a good summer of competing. But lately she's just been getting slower and slower. Really sluggish. We tried upping her feed, changing her feed, altering the type of work she's doing, doing less work, doing more work. I can only describe it in that it's like she's desperate for a pee, but won't go.

Trying to re-assess things, she can get quite fidgety with her hind legs when she's in the stable - narky when you rug her up (but not when you tack her up). I had her stabled all day the other day as our weather was so horreondous and she didn't pee until late evening. She normally pees in the morning, after breakfast. Yesterday, she was in during the day - she didn't pee between coming in the Sunday evening and turning out this morning. When I exercised her yesretday she didn't pee either - normally she has no problems peeing when out and about (as long as it's on grass).

So - which route to take? Do I get the vet in to take samples, or should I try a physio first (friend suggested this), or...? She's behaving perferectly normal apart from this, but something is definitely not right.
 
do you know if she is drinking? it could be that she has a kidney infection and is avoiding the pain? as this has been going on a while she might have an underlying condition? i think it might be time for a horse MOT

another thought is ESPM, this is reduced performance and also can show in sensitivity to things like rugging. there are people on here who can advise better on the symptoms than me
 
If it was one of mine, I'd pop down the vets and pick up a sterile urine pot and keep that on me all the time I was on the yard, ready to collect a midstream sample of wee the next time she wees when you are around.

I'd also ask for a comprehensive blood test (including muscle and liver enzymes), as that might reveal an underlying issue that might otherwise be difficult to pinpoint.

Sarah
 
definatley vets i had a problem with one of mine weeing although that turned out to be cystisis try collecting some in a sterile jam jar and drop it into vets and free flowing gives a more accurate result that catherising (SP) the horse.

Also blood tests to show any abnormalties that may be lurking
 
I agree with what everyone else has said - this is one for the vet. The way I look at problems is that if the concern has physiological manifestations like urination, it warrants investigation through bloodwork and urinalysis.
 
Agree that a visit from the vet is necessary to be safe, but is she drinking and sweating less too? My horse was drinking, peeing and sweating less than normal and was lethargic to the point where I had him tested for cushings. Long story, but I was advised on another forum that it may be chronic dehydration and to up the amount of salt he has. That was last week, and he has perked up no end since then and is starting to sweat and pee more again. May be worth a try. :)
 
No doubt. Get blood and urine tests done. Could be a lack of a certain mineral or a number of other things. Get the tests done and they will show you where to start. That way you also learn something rather than just trying possible solutions.
 
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