And, yes, I've called the vet, but have not been able to actually speak to her yet.

Our 7 year old Shetland pony X mare has had blood in her urine this afternoon. Since we're out there 2-3 times a day checking up on feed and water (it's been VERY cold and windy), I didn't notice it till this evening's feeding/watering. Her urine is orange (well, the snow where she goes is orange). She's not off her feed, though she isn't drinking much, even though the water is changed out and/or warmed 3x a day. In all ways, she's herself, is as perky as usual. When I saw the blood, I checked her all over, to see if she had hurt herself (she hasn't), and then I went out to find more evidence of blood. WHen I found it in her usual "spots", I realized it must be in her urine. Any ideas on what it might be? Hope to hear from the vet later this evening or in the morning. I don't really have a workign relationship with a large animals vet, so I haven't even met her in person yet....

Thanks. Andrea in NY

-- Andrea Gauland (andreagee@aol.com), March 22, 2002

Answers

Best get an answer from your vet. We had an older mare rupture a vein in her vagina. Had to use a douche of an Iodine solution to cauterize it. It was funny at the drugstore to explain this douche bag was for farm use so therefore tax exempt. Funnier still to see my husband standing behind this mare with his arm in the air giving Lady a douche. Yvonne

-- Yvonne (windridermorgans@earthlink.net), March 22, 2002.

You may already know this, but in case you don’t and in case you need to monitor your Horses Vital Signs, Univ. Alabama Cooperative Extension, http://www.aces.edu/department/extcomm/publications/anr/anr-808/anr- 808.html This U of Alabama link also states: Coffee-colored or bloody urine, diarrhea, or failure to defecate indicate potentially serious problems that require professional veterinary attention

-- BC (desertdweller44@yahoo.com), March 22, 2002.

Hi, I'm sure your mare is fine! Years ago, when I added a mare to the menagerie around here, I made a frantic phone call to the vet when I noticed orangy-pink snow about this time of year. I was quite sure someone was hemorrhaging in the paddock or had some terrible internal problem even though all the horses were acting fine. My vet explained that "pink snow" is a normal early Spring occurance as the days get longer and mares start to gear up for another potential breeding season. If we didn't live in Spring snow country, we'd never be aware of this phenomenon. So don't sweat it --it's normal! : ) We had our bout of orangey-pink snow about 3 weeks ago. Now, like the first Robin on the lawn, or hair balls in the stock tank, I consider it a sure sign Spring is on it's way! -- Cheers, Renee M. (Michigan)

-- Renee Martin (icehorse@altelco.net), March 22, 2002.

OUr horses urine always shows orange in the snow!!1The stallions too!! Renee is right...take care

-- teri (dnsmacbeth@aol.com), March 23, 2002.

Yep, I panicked too last year. Horse pee looked fine coming out but stained the snow RED ORANGE!!! Holy Bat Poop, Robin!!! Anyway, it oxidizes on the snow and your pretty pony is fine. My Arab didn't like his pee being stared at, lemme tell you!! Relax. They are ok. Freaky, though, huh?!

-- Gailann Schrader (gtschrader@aol.com), March 24, 2002.

This is perfectly normal. If your horse shows signs of clots or bleeding then call the vet. Orangish reddish urine in the snow is nothing to be concerned about. Rabbits do this also.

-- Chris (loona_tick@yahoo.com), March 26, 2002.