Text: With JD du Preez at JME Veterinary Clinic Thank you to JD du Preez of JME Veterinary Clinic for this quick chat on dehydration in horses. JME is a family-oriented vet clinic based in Sun Valley near Inanda Country Base in Kyalami. They are a mixed animal practice that treats both horses and small animals. JD…
Q: How can I encourage my horse to drink? A: The simplest way to encourage your horse to drink is to ensure that he has clean, fresh water at all times. Frequently cleaning and refilling buckets is essential to keep water fresh and palatable. Other ways to up your horse's water intake include soaking hay, adding water…
Q: What are the signs of dehydration? A: Dehydration is a serious threat to your horse's well-being, as this loss of water also means the loss essential minerals such as sodium and potassium. In serious cases, if the horse is not quickly rehydrated, it could lead to colic, kidney failure, cardiac problems and even death. A horse's…
Sticky gums are a sign that your horse is dehydrated, so make sure he has access to clean, fresh water at all times. If you struggle to get him to drink when at a show, try taking bottles of water from home. Some horses are very fussy about what water they drink, and can taste…
Capillary refill time sounds a tad technical for most of us, but in reality, it is a very basic test. The process involves pressing on your horse's gums until they go a white-ish colour. Then remove your finger and they should return to healthy salmon pink. If it takes more than two seconds for the…
