Companion Animals

Urinary Calculi in Horses: Welfare and Management

Recognising and managing urolithiasis in horses to prevent pain and urinary obstruction.

Key Facts

Urinary calculi in horses most commonly form in the bladder (cystic) or urethra
Clinical signs include straining to urinate, frequent small urinations, and blood in urine
Males are more severely affected as their urethra is longer and narrower
Surgical removal is often required — prognosis is generally good with early treatment

Welfare Considerations

Urinary calculi cause significant pain and distress. Urethral obstruction is a welfare emergency — complete obstruction can be fatal within days. Welfare-focused management involves prompt investigation of urinary symptoms, appropriate analgesia, and surgical removal of calculi. Dietary management reduces recurrence risk by limiting calcium-rich feedstuffs.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary attention promptly for horses showing urinary straining
Ensure adequate water intake to reduce urinary concentration and calculus formation
Review diet for excessive calcium-rich forage if urolithiasis recurs