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
Urine appears Clear Like Water
Summary
Horses that are well hydrated produce large volumes of relatively clear (dilute) urine. Many stabled horses drink more water than they need to (a habitual problem), and much of that water is lost as dilute urine. Very clear urine is also typical of well hydrated young foals.
However, dilute urine in the face of poor hydration is a sign of kidney failure. Horses with kidney failure typically act depressed or lethargic and also have a poor appetite.
However, dilute urine in the face of poor hydration is a sign of kidney failure. Horses with kidney failure typically act depressed or lethargic and also have a poor appetite.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If urination seems excessive.
- To ensure a correct diagnosis, have your vet examine the horse.
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Code Green
Contact Your Vet to Obtain Useful Advice & Resources- If this seems mild or occasional and the horse seems normal otherwise.
your role
What To Do
Assess the horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to attitude and appetite. If the horse seems well otherwise, clear urine alone is probably not a cause for concern. However, if accompanied by other signs of illness or disease, contact your vet with your findings and concerns.What Not To Do
Do not restrict access to water.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
Less Common
your vet's role
Your vet uses history and physical examination to determine general health. Blood work and urinalysis add vital information. Your vet may also ask you to determine how much water your horse is drinking. In this case, you will need to use buckets instead of an automatic waterer.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How is your horse's attitude and appetite?
- How is the horse stabled or managed?
- How long has the horse been stabled this way?
- How much water is your horse drinking per day?
- Are you supplementing feed or water with electrolytes?
- 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)
Very Common
