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  Discussion on Mineral oil ?
Author Message
Member:
Kthorse

Posted on Thursday, May 27, 2004 - 8:42 pm:

Hi, My barn called today and my horse had a mild case of colic. His breathing was heavy, no eating, laying down all day, stomach upset etc. Because he passed manuar twice and urinated I told them to lunge him afor about 20 minutes then watch him and stop all food(he did not want it anyway) by the time I was able to see him this afternoon he had anly produced 1 manure pile all day it was a little hard. I walked him and let him graze for 20 minutes. He seems fine. i gave him a handleful of grain with a tsp salt and stayed till I saw him drink water. He did, then started munching on hay. My question is how much mineral oil should I give if he doesnt start passing more manure. Normaly its all the time(hi fibre diet):-). I am still waiting on my vet to call. My experiences with colic were all major as a child with a few having twisted bowels. Losing them was devisting. Now as an adult I am parinoid.What would be a safe amount for 1000 pound horse or should I just wait for the vet to call. I have not given and will not give pain killers untill I have my vets ok. I dont want to mask the problem. Thanks in advance
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, May 28, 2004 - 7:34 am:

Hello Katrina,
Most of your questions are answered in the article, Equine Diseases » Colic and GI Diseases » Colic in Horses » An Overview of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Colic, particularly in the sections on physical exam and treatment. There is a growing consensus that mineral oil is really not that good a laxative (it actually dehydrates the stools) and that water is the most important thing to break up impactions. The article explains what to look for.
DrO
Member:
Kthorse

Posted on Friday, May 28, 2004 - 8:25 am:

Thanks Dr O,
He is much better this morning and the salt is making him drink alot thank goodness. I just put 1 tsp on his tongue and he goes straight for the water to wash it down. He had 3 normal poops last night. Thanks for the info on the mineral oil. Much appreciated as my vet did not call back.
Katrina
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