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Need Help????ASAP.

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Need Help????ASAP.
  • I have a 26 year old Morgan. For the past couple weeks he has not been eating his grain and is only picking at his hay. He has lost a lot of weight in a very short amount of time, and he is usually obese, even in his old age. He has a normal temperature of 99.2. Normally he has a very active and loud gut, but last night we could barley hear anything. He is drinking a lot more water than normal, and flushing it out just as fast as he can drink it, which is causing tenting of the skin, and his urine is almost brown. Breathing was also at 32 breaths per min. and he seemed to be working at breathing. What is going on with him? Is there anything I can do?


  • Sounds like his kidneys are not processing and might be shutting down.
     
    CALL THE VET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • I agree, GET THE VET OUT NOW!!!! Sounds like kidneys to me too. If he's generally obese, and fed grain, then there's 2 possible causes.
  •   Sounds like acute renal failure.  He needs supportive care from the vet that will include fluids and electrolytes.
     
      Good thing he's been drinking alot.  As far as diet, he needs low protein, low Ca and P.  Stick with grass hay and BP.  Add treats of carrots and a little corn to tempt him.  Get some paste electrolytes and keep a bucket of loose salt and minerals hanging in his run. 
  • I would be avoiding all grain, but especially corn, as it's particularly bad for horses. If you need to tempt him with anything, try something healthy.
  • Poor boy.  I hope you can save him but you know they don't live forever.  26 doesn't seem THAT old but it really is.  Sounds like you've taken great care of him.  I hope you can come back and give us an update.  And I hope it's a good one.
  • Get the vet out there NOW The health of an older horse isn't something to tamper with. They dont hold up as good as a younger horse. Horses still need help from people.
    I'm not sure what it could be but I hope he's ok.