Now he's not drinking water...I give up!!

[LouLou3]

Hi everyone - my horse had steriod injections last week and is on restricted paddock TO in the day and stabled at night. For the last four nights he has only drank water once - so three out of those four he hasn't touched any at all. He has been drinking during the day but I'm sure its not nearly anywhere near what he normally does.

He is having soaked hay all the time so he's getting fluid from that. Have pinched the skin on his neck and it doesn't spring back immediately but does after a few seconds.

He is peeing in his stable and his poos are good.

Have checked his gums - they are pale but wet.

Put a call in with the vet to see what they advise but wondered if any of you have any ideas for encouraging him to drink.

Thanks in advance

 

[Cedars]

Dissolve some of those likit cubes in a big bucket of water, might make it taste nice?

I wouldnt worry though, soaked hay plus drinking during the day would suggest he's getting enough. xxxxx

 

[*hic*]

I'd agree that if his hay is well soacked and he's drinking during the day and he's showing no problems with a pinch test then he's fine.

However, if you are worried and he's allowed sugarbeet I find that making up an extremely sloppy mix - like thin soup! - usually tempts my lad who decides he's going to stop drinking plain water.

 

[Berkeley]

Hi everyone - my horse had steriod injections last week and is on restricted paddock TO in the day and stabled at night. For the last four nights he has only drank water once - so three out of those four he hasn't touched any at all. He has been drinking during the day but I'm sure its not nearly anywhere near what he normally does.

He is having soaked hay all the time so he's getting fluid from that. Have pinched the skin on his neck and it doesn't spring back immediately but does after a few seconds.

He is peeing in his stable and his poos are good.

Have checked his gums - they are pale but wet.

Put a call in with the vet to see what they advise but wondered if any of you have any ideas for encouraging him to drink.

Thanks in advance

Apple cordial in the water as well as whole apples. Make sure its not too cold.

 

[LouLou3]

Dissolve some of those likit cubes in a big bucket of water, might make it taste nice?

I wouldnt worry though, soaked hay plus drinking during the day would suggest he's getting enough. xxxxx

Thanks Flamehead - seems I'm panicking again as usual Vet said same as you she isn't surprised he's not drinking as much if his hay is soaked...just said to keep an eye on him. Phew! Will definitely try your ideas and the others that have posted so thanks everyone