Problems With an Older Horse Urinating Often

Changes in your horse's eating, bowel and digestive habits can be a symptom of health problems. A variety of different equine health issues may cause your older horse to urinate more frequently than usual. Diagnosing the problem will require looking for other symptoms and having your veterinarian thoroughly evalute the horse.

  1. Kidney Problems

    • When a horse begins urinating too frequently, veterinarians will often check for kidney function and signs of kidney infections. Health problems that affect your horse's kidneys can lead to frequent urination. These problems will be tested for by your veterinarian using blood, protein and urinalysis tests. Older horses are more susceptible to kidney problems and infections, especially if they have other health problems or a compromised immune system.

    Diet

    • Certain types of feed, hay and supplements, especially those high in calcium, can cause a horse to urinate more frequently then it normally does. Rich hays and forage are often the source of a significant amount of calcium. The horse's kidneys play a large part in how calcium is processed by its body. If the aging kidneys are not functioning as well as they once did, your horse may not be able to handle as much calcium in his feed. Symptoms of too much calcium include urine changing colors and excess urination. Changing the horse's diet may help eliminate or reduce the problem.

    Cushing's Disease

    • Cushing's disease can occur in horses and other animals. Cushing's is often caused by problems with the horse's pituitary gland and occurs most commonly in older horses. Symptoms include poor coat condition, lack of shedding, excessive urination, excessive thirst, high blood sugar and muscle loss.

    Other Potential Problems

    • Infections of the urinary tract or the bladder can cause your horse to urinate more frequently than normal. Urinary blockages may cause a horse to urinate small amounts more frequently than it should. All urinary problems require treatment by a veterinarian.