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Discussion on Horse Drinks TOO much water??

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Fran C
Member
Username: Canter

Post Number: 677
Registered: 1-2000
Posted on Sunday, Oct 8, 2006 - 5:08 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi all,
We received a new arrival at the barn last week, a very sweet appendix mare. As I was talking to the owner, I reached for the hose to top off the mare's water (another boarder and I always do this, despite the fact that the horses are well cared for and water never an issue - it's just habit and we're both neurotic). Anyway, the owner stopped me and told me that the mare had been drinking too much water and actually made herself sick. The vet told her to limit how much water the horse gets and that in moving her, they hoped to break the bad habit.

This morning I was out at the barn and the mare had drunk her "allottment" and had an empty bucket. It drove me nuts, but I didn't fill it back up...but I can't stop thinking about it. Obviously, this goes against everything we've ever been told about keeping horses watered, but I would never go against an owners wishes unless I clearly saw abuse or neglect.

So, has anyone ever heard of anything like this? DrO, is there a scientific name for this? Where can I go to find out more? I'm just curious at this point and perhaps if I learn more, I'll be able to walk away from an empty bucket without feeling guilty.

Thanks,
Fran
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro

Post Number: 16818
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Monday, Oct 9, 2006 - 8:29 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hello Fran,
We have an article that talks about some causes of excessive drinking which is called polydipsia. See Diseases of Horses » Urinary System » Excessive Drinking and Urination, Polydipsia / Polyuria (PD/PU).
DrO
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Fran C
Member
Username: Canter

Post Number: 680
Registered: 1-2000
Posted on Monday, Oct 9, 2006 - 10:25 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks, DrO...I was looking in the wrong place.
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