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
Manure has Long Hay Fibers in It
Summary
Manure containing large undigested fibers of hay in it is usually a sign of poor dental grinding function (mastication), and is commonly observed in older horses that have dental problems.
It can be seen in any disorder that affects a horse's ability to chew properly. It can also be associated with the feeding of very coarse, inappropriate hays, weeds, sticks or straw.
It can be seen in any disorder that affects a horse's ability to chew properly. It can also be associated with the feeding of very coarse, inappropriate hays, weeds, sticks or straw.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment
your role
What To Do
Assess your hay, looking for fibrous, stalky stems. Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) and assess the mouth to the extent possible (wear gloves). Compare the manure to that of your other horses.Contact your vet with your findings and concerns.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet assesses the manure, the hay quality, and the horse's mouth and teeth to determine why this is the case. Other diagnostics and suggested treatments follow.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How old is the horse?
- When did you first notice the signs?
- What type of hay does the horse eat?
- Has the horse lost weight?
- Does the horse have difficulty chewing or eating?
- How does the manure from the other horses look?
- 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.
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)
