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  Discussion on Causes of urine discoloration
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Posted on Sunday, Feb 6, 2000 - 2:16 pm:

Does anyone know if feeding hay with a high percentage of red clover could cause horses urine to be reddish orange to strawberry pink in color?

We've noticed a number of these odd colored spots in the snow in the paddock area. I have four horses. Cannot tell for certain which horse is passing the brightly colored urine. Everytime I catch one in processes of eliminating the urine is in the "normal" range of colors for them!!

The last load of hay we brought in had a high percentage of red clover. Normally the hay is timothy only. The horses seem to prefer the clover mix but we've gone back to the grass only
to see if the reddish urine goes away.

I asked the vet - he was here on an unrelated call - he felt the color though unusual was not to be alarmed about. My horses appear to be in good health - normal appetites etc.

My Appaloosa has been on 1 gram of Bute for a number of years to treat his uveitis. I suspected him from the start but have not actually seen him pass this odd colored urine.
He show no signs of kidney failure.

Any ideas?

Posted on Sunday, Feb 6, 2000 - 3:13 pm:

Hi Rebecca
If you look in the forum under urinary system there was a discussion on red/orange urine. I hope it helps.
~barbara

Posted on Monday, Feb 7, 2000 - 9:54 am:

Does a large amount of red clover cause blindness in horses? I remember reading something to this effect a long time ago. I don't know how much or how long a horse would have to consume it. I don't even know if I have the right correlation. DrO can set me straight.

Posted on Monday, Feb 7, 2000 - 9:39 pm:

Dear Barbara,

Thanks ever so much. I found the article you referred to and it sounds exactly like our situation here. I'm new to the Horsemans Advisor and didn't know to referrence past Forum discussions. I'm sorry I procrastinated so long in joining - this is a great service to all!

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 8, 2000 - 2:33 pm:

Duff, No Red cover does not cause blindness. Thanks for the kudos Rebecca. Don't forget you can search all the posts using the "Search for Keyword" feature on the navigation frame on the left.
DrO
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