milky/cloudy horse urine

Re: milky/cloudy horse urine

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 22:14:34 GMT

[quote user="Nicola Russell"]

in the BHS Veterinary Manual it says cloudiness relates to dietary calcium levels

[/quote]

yep, calcium carbonate crystals, totally natural equines usually absorb excessive amounts of calcium from the intestine thus it comes out in their wee! other animals such as ourselves and canines tend to regulate calcium absorption from the diet at the level of the intestine.

if the calcium is left to sit for too long or begins to bind it causes stones but only if a well balanced diet isn't fed. Over feeding calcium rich foods can make the urine more cloudy or in excess can cause stones with lack of fluids and no work. Things like clover and alfalfa are rich in calcium so if you are feeding a lot of this you might get stones. Phosphorus can also cause stones so feeding too much grains and lack of fluids and exercise can cause this.

So basically as long as the diet is balanced well for the horse's activity and there is plenty of water and light exercise you shouldn't have anything to worry about. :) cloudy wee is pretty standard. :) Hope this helps.

Re: milky/cloudy horse urine

Nicola Russell — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 21:37:26 GMT

in the BHS Veterinary Manual it says cloudiness relates to dietary calcium levels

Re: milky/cloudy horse urine

am.coulson — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 21:24:13 GMT

Thankyooooou! I think I'm just "one of those" neurotic horse owners! If it was someone else's neddy, i'd have probably told them not to worry aswell. I think you're totally right in that I just noticed it more since he's been in! The fact that I think he looks as though he may be planning a massive 'break out' and seems totally full of himself should have been enough to make me see there's nothing wrong! Paranoid!!!

Re: milky/cloudy horse urine

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 17:32:47 GMT

I was under the impression equine urine was normally either clear or yellow and usually quite cloudy. The colour changes and cloudiness change as the bladder is fully expressed i believe. At least this is what I experienced and observed working in a breeding facility. Maybe you just notice it a bit more since he's been kept in? hope this helps. If it goes dark coloured or brown I would worry. but creamy yellow/white, gold, cloudy lemonade I wouldn't worry! :D