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
Strange Posture when Passing Manure
Summary
Horses may assume an unusual posture during defecation to lessen pain or discomfort associated with urinating or defecating.
An example is a tumor in the bladder that is painful when fecal balls pass near it in the rectum. A horse may twist one way or another to relieve that pain.
An example is a tumor in the bladder that is painful when fecal balls pass near it in the rectum. A horse may twist one way or another to relieve that pain.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- 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.
- If you feel the problem is severe or has come on suddenly.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If the problem is subtle or slowly changing.
- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) suggest the horse is otherwise normal.
your role
What To Do
Perform the Whole Horse Exam, paying particular attention to general attitude and appetite, and presence or absence of fever. Video the behavior and share with your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
A vet assesses general health using physical exam. Rectal exam may be helpful both to assess the rectum itself and the abdominal organs and other intestine.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Is the horse showing any other signs of a problem?
- Describe the horse's posture to me?
- When did you first notice this change?
- Has the horse had any health problems that you know of?
- 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
