Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

I'd still err on the side of caution and agree with Don's advice - can't hurt to see if "fresh" feed makes a difference.

But your description does sound a bit dehydrated - urine is often cloudy when the stream starts but normally clears as the bladder empties.

Also, if his ration is pretty high calcium/low phorsphorus he could be eliminating more calcium than usual and horses tend to crystalize calcium in their urine (more, for example, than people do) which could cloud it a little.

Doesn't hurt to measure his water intake for a few days (i.e. if he drinks from a waterer, turn it off and water him from a tank so you know he's getting at least 5-10 gal on cool days, more when working. Adding 1-2 ounces of loose salt (approx 4 teaspoons to 3 Tablespoons) to his feed can also help encourage drinking.

 

Patti K

Vail AZ

 

> The vet's office called me back first thing this morning.  I gave them all the
> info I gave you... actually sent the same email to them... and the vet said not
> to worry unless the urine is the color of port wine.  Especially considering
> that his behavior is normal in every other way.  I wanted to double check that
> answer so I called the local endurance vet ... used to be Zephyr's regular vet
> until we moved ... and he said the same thing.  SOOOO I'll just keep an eye on
> him.
>
> Thanks for your input everyone!
> -Sharon L. in Maine