YOU ARE OBSERVING
Hay or Pot Belly, Pendulous Abdomen
Summary
Older horses that do not get adequate exercise, or those with certain conditions may lose muscle along the top-line and develop weaker abdominal muscles. These horses may have a pendulous belly but are actually underweight. Mares that have had many foals also have a sagging, pear shaped belly. In younger horses, this observation may also be a sign of a parasite load (worms) and certain other chronic diseases.
-
Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If you notice signs of colic, along with this sign.
-
Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- To discuss your equine's general health and management.
your role
![decor](https://horsesidevetguide.com/wp-content/themes/hsvg-wiki/assets/img/new_images/decor_image1.png)
What To Do
Assess your horse’s general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE). Look at and feel the top-line and rib cage to assess body condition. Tap on the highest part of the distended belly with your finger tip. Is it tight like a drum (gas) or soft? Is your horse exhibiting other signs of illness or abdominal pain (colic)? Share your findings and concerns with your vet.![icon](https://horsesidevetguide.com/wp-content/themes/hsvg-wiki/assets/img/new_images/Combined_Shape.png)
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
![decor](https://horsesidevetguide.com/wp-content/themes/hsvg-wiki/assets/img/new_images/decor_image2.png)
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- What is the horse currently being fed?
- What is your parasite control program?
- Does the horse seem normal to you otherwise?
- When did you first notice this?
- Is the horse fed alone or with other horses?
- Do your other horses show similar signs?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
![icon](https://horsesidevetguide.com/wp-content/themes/hsvg-wiki/assets/img/new_images/icons/heart.png)
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.
![icon](https://horsesidevetguide.com/wp-content/themes/hsvg-wiki/assets/img/new_images/icons/sun.png)
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
![icon](https://horsesidevetguide.com/wp-content/themes/hsvg-wiki/assets/img/new_images/icons/bottle.png)
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)