You wrote:
> Can anyone elaborate on when kidney damage starts if your horse
> starts to tie up? While the causes are enough for many posts in
> itself, I'd like to know more about what happens to the kidneys.
<snip>
> The horse in question showed no signs of cramping or even slowing
> down. Just a dark colored urine that returned to normal within
> an hour with rest and lots of water. We are certainly not
> planning on repeating this mistake. Thanks.
It is hard to say, since I wasn't there, but it sounds like the horse
was experiencing dehydration rather then tying up. (No cramping or
slowing down, return to baseline w/ adequate fluid intake.) Urine
becomes concentrated (& therefore dark) if the
horse has not been drinking enough. This self-corrects (w/ no
immediate kidney damage) if the animal is provided w/ adequate fluids.
I am not sure how severe tying up syndrome needs to be to show signs
of renal damage. Can any vets chip in?
Linda Flemmer
Blue Wolf Equestrian Supplies/ Blue Wolf Ranch
Chesapeake, VA
"In case of emergency - Fur side up, steel side down!"