Very 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
Dead Mouse, Bird or other Animal in Water Trough
Summary
You check your horse's water trough and notice a dead animal floating in it. What should you do?
Drinking water can be contaminated by carcasses of dead birds or other animals. Botulism is the primary risk. Botulism is likely fatal if not caught very early and treated aggressively. For that reason, it is worth taking this seriously.
Drain the water trough and clean it with dilute bleach to fresh water 1:10. Rinse well (ensuring all bleach is removed) before refilling it with fresh water. Dispose of or bury the carcass away from your horses and other animals. Wear gloves when you handle the carcass.
Illness resulting from this situation is very rare. However, it is still a good idea to monitor the horse carefully for several days following the cleaning of the water tank.
Drinking water can be contaminated by carcasses of dead birds or other animals. Botulism is the primary risk. Botulism is likely fatal if not caught very early and treated aggressively. For that reason, it is worth taking this seriously.
Drain the water trough and clean it with dilute bleach to fresh water 1:10. Rinse well (ensuring all bleach is removed) before refilling it with fresh water. Dispose of or bury the carcass away from your horses and other animals. Wear gloves when you handle the carcass.
Illness resulting from this situation is very rare. However, it is still a good idea to monitor the horse carefully for several days following the cleaning of the water tank.
-
Code Green
Contact Your Vet to Obtain Useful Advice & Resources- To discuss your equine's general health and management.
your role
What To Do
Wearing gloves, remove the dead animal from the trough. Drain and scrub the trough.Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to any signs of weakness or wobbliness (ataxia), or any abnormal behavior. Monitor attitude and appetite closely.
Call your vet immediately if you notice even a subtle problem, and tell them that you found a dead animal in the water trough.
What Not To Do
Do not ignore this problem. The potential risk of illness is small, but serious.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Does the horse seem normal to you?
- Do you think the horse's attitude and appetite are normal?
- How did you clean the trough?
- 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.
Very Common
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
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)
