Very Common
Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Urination, Frequent & Small Amounts of Urine
Summary
Frequent voiding of small amounts of urine can be a sign of bladder dysfunction or irritation. Possible causes include a bladder or urethral stone, inflammation of the bladder, or some other bladder disease or dysfunction. Problems with neurologic (nerve) dysfunction of the bladder can also present this way.
Horses that have abdominal pain (colic) in general, or are very ill from other causes may urinate frequently and in small amounts. Healthy mares in heat often urinate frequently.
Horses that have abdominal pain (colic) in general, or are very ill from other causes may urinate frequently and in small amounts. Healthy mares in heat often urinate frequently.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If you notice signs of colic, along with this sign.
- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) in the resting horse indicate fever (Temp >101F/38.3C) or heart rate greater than 48 BPM.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If the behavior continues but the horse has good appetite, attitude and shows no other signs of colic.
- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) suggest the horse is otherwise normal.
your role
What To Do
Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to attitude and appetite, rectal temperature, heart rate and gum color. Take note of the urine color and amount. If you can catch a small amount of urine, do so, keep it refrigerated and provide it to your vet as soon as possible. If this pattern of urination continues, or you notice any other signs of illness or abnormalities, contact your vet right away.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet's approach is to consider overall health first, then focus on the urinary signs. A urinalysis (lab tests on the urine itself) can be a very helpful test in determining the nature of the problem. Ultrasound and endoscopy are also useful tests for evaluating the urinary tract.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How old is the horse?
- What breed is the horse?
- When did you first notice this?
- Does the horse's appetite and attitude seem normal?
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Less Common
Rare
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
