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  Discussion on Proper Testing for Urinary Tract Infection
Author Message
Member:
Jeans

Posted on Saturday, Sep 27, 2003 - 5:28 pm:

Dear Awesome O,
My young warmblood mare (just turned two)has started urinating frequently this summer and sometimes its full flow, others it isn't. I took her to my vet to check her out, and he did a (I forgot what he called it but I think it was a type of ultrasound, showed up on a screen) and vaginal exam with a tube to check for stones (negative), and noticed no inflammation. He then put her on antibiotics in case she had a UTI. After a while on the antibiotis she seemed better, but then started again, this frequently urinating, sometimes a dribble, sometimes a lot. My question is this: How do I know if she truly has a problem or is just in heat? Did he properly check her for UTI? I have plenty of antibiotics left and can retreat her, but should I? Will it harm her to give those to her if she does not have a UTI? He also mentioned that she had a loose vulva and might need a Caslicks (sp) procedure but I don't want to do that if she doesn't even have a problem. Thanks for your attention and expertise, Jeans.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Sep 28, 2003 - 11:27 am:

Thanks Jeani,
Usually we don't have a problem with this as the appearance of a mare in heat is very characteristic and somewhat like you describe: when in heat mares frequently squat and squirt usually in response to other horses. One clue that this is estrus is the chronological pattern which is described in detail at » Equine Reproduction » Breeding and Foaling » Breeding Patterns in Mares and Stallions.

Urinary tract infections are uncommon in horses and frequently secodary to other problems. The key to the diagnosis of a urinary tract infection is to do a urinalysis (lab test on a midstream very fresh sample of urine) looking for signs of inflammation and, if present, a micrscopic examination of the sediment an attempt to culture the organism is made.

The rest of your questions really depend on whether you have one or not: something I cannot tell from here (hope that does not lose my awesome status). Your next step is to get in touch with your veterinarian to be sure he is ready at a moments notice, collect a urine sample, and immediately take it to a vet's office for a test. Your vet may refer the sample to a local small animal hospital where these are usually done in house with simple economical dip sticks.
DrO
Member:
Jeans

Posted on Monday, Sep 29, 2003 - 11:57 am:

Thanks Dr.(still awesome) O,
for the info and articles...I love this website!

The more I read the more I believe my mare is just going into heat. My first horse was a gelding so I didn't know much about mares, but how interesting! She becomes very affectionate towards ME, (and other family members that are around) and slightly lifts her tail. We will still do the urinalysis to make sure.
Jeani.
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