Re: RC: Medical Problem?

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 5/9/99 10:03:44 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
fasterhorses@gilanet.com writes:

<< 1)  Why, since those kidneys are there at the back, you would think an
 association with back pain and peeing was far fetched (and by the way, it 
wasn't
 that the horse had more pee, but was attempting to pee more often, which 
would
 indicate that the peeing attempt wasn't about full bladder but some other
 stimulation/irritation) >>

The kidneys are extremely well protected from external trauma, and generally 
only cause pain if there are kidney stones or if there is a serious 
infection.  Most pain in the "kidney" region is either in the lumbar or lower 
thoracic spine or in the muscles that support the spine.  Back pain, either 
muscular or skeletal (or combination of both, in most cases) will cause the 
horse to stretch and often try to urinate, simply in an attempt to relieve 
the back pain.  If there IS a problem in the urinary tract, it is far more 
likely to be in the bladder, and does not generally manifest as back pain.  
Horses CAN get bladder stones and bladder infections.  In cases like that, 
urination is often painful, or the stream will be interrupted, etc.  Too 
often people forget the sequence of events in the urinary tract--kidneys 
filter blood and produce urine, but have absolutely nothing to do with the 
act of urination.  Urine goes from the kidneys to the bladder via the 
ureters, and is stored in the bladder until there is a sufficient amount to 
trigger urination.  So--if there is a problem with urination, look to the 
bladder--NOT the kidneys.  And if there is back pain, look to the back itself!

Heidi


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