How to Remove Impacted Manure

When manure gets impacted in the digestive system of a horse, it can mean life or death and minutes count. Unlike humans and other animals, a horse cannot throw up when their manure becomes impacted. Manure impaction is comparable to constipation in people. This causes the horse a lot of pain and distress. Common signs of manure impaction are: kicking the belly, flagging the tail, straining, rolling or refusing to stand. When removing an impaction, take your time and move slowly to avoid causing internal injuries.

Things You'll Need

  • Fleet enema
  • Obstetrical lube or mineral oil
  • Disinfectant
  • Plastic sleeve
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove feed and encourage the horse to drink.

    • 2

      Tie the horse securely or have a helper hold the horse still.

    • 3

      Insert the tip of the enema carefully into the rectum and slowly squeeze the entire contents of the bag into the horse.

    • 4

      Observe your horse for 15 to 20 minutes to see if the enema gets the impacted manure moving out.

    • 5

      If there's no improvement, apply mineral oil liberally around the outside of the horse's rectum.

    • 6

      Disinfect your hands and arms or put on a sterile plastic sleeve.

    • 7

      Apply obstetrical lube or mineral oil generously to your hand and arm or plastic sleeve.

    • 8

      Cup your hand slightly and slowly insert your hand into the horse's rectum. Remove any impacted manure that you can feel. This will usually cause the horse to push, which can help you remove the impaction.

    • 9

      Remove as much manure as possible and observe the horse closely for signs of pain or colic, such as kicking, rolling or refusing to stand.