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
Vulvar Winking, Usually with Urination
Summary
Vulvar winking is a common behavior for mares in heat (estrus), and usually accompanies squatting and urination. However, vulvar winking also occurs when the urinary tract or vulva is irritated.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If this happens frequently or excessively.
your role
What To Do
Taken alone with no other signs of illness or abnormalities, this behavior may not be cause for worry. When in doubt, assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), and contact your vet with your findings and concerns.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
Your vet may advise you to take a "wait and see" approach or suggest that they examine your horse.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How regular are the mare's heat cycles?
- How long do the heat cycles last?
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- When did you first notice this?
- Do you think the horse's attitude and appetite are normal?
- 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
