How to Treat Equine Dehydration

Considering that horses require an average of 10 gallons of clean drinking water each day, equine dehydration can result from a lacking water source and is easily preventable. In the event equine dehydration is suspected, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately to assess the severity of the condition. Some of the symptoms of equine dehydration include sluggish behavior, dark red gum coloring, smaller feces covered in a mucus substance, heavy sweating, shallow breathing, lulling eyes and a higher than normal temperature. Performing a rectal examination will indicate whether dried fecal matter has caused colic and pain symptoms. Treatment is dependent on the severity of the dehydration.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Mineral oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure an abundant supply of clean drinking water is easily accessible to prevent dehydration. If dehydration is suspected, check for common symptoms and perform a pinch test of the skin. A pinch test can help determine the elasticity of the horse's skin. Grab an inch of skin from the horse's neck, pinch it, release it and observe the amount of time it takes for the skin to return to normal. Skin that is non-elastic and does not return to normal with one to two seconds can be a symptom of equine dehydration. Contact a veterinarian to fully assess the situation.

    • 2

      Lead the horse to water in an attempt to provoke consumption.

    • 3

      Add a small amount of mineral oil to a water supply to help ease the pain associated with dried fecal matter and aid in expulsion.

    • 4

      Have an appropriate caretaker perform intravenous or tube hydration procedures if the situation is severe.