Urinary Problems in Horses: Welfare and Diagnosis

Urinary conditions in horses including bladder stones, urinary incontinence, and renal disease cause discomfort and welfare compromise that requires accurate diagnosis and appropriate long-term management.

Key Facts

Urolithiasis (bladder stones) occurs in both male and female horses but is more clinically significant in males
Calcium carbonate calculi are the most common type in horses; they can cause complete urinary obstruction
Urine pooling (vaginourine) affects mares with poor perineal conformation, causing vulvovaginitis
Renal disease in horses is often insidious, diagnosed late when significant renal damage has occurred
Haematuria (blood in urine) requires investigation and should not be dismissed as benign

Welfare Considerations

Urinary obstruction in male horses causes acute and severe abdominal pain similar to colic, requiring emergency veterinary intervention. Bladder stones causing incomplete obstruction produce chronic discomfort from dysuria and straining. Urine pooling in mares causes chronic vaginitis and vulval soreness. Renal disease, once advanced, causes uraemia and the associated nausea and weakness. Many urinary conditions in horses are significantly underdiagnosed because the signs are subtle and owners unfamiliar with equine urinary health. Routine urine testing during health checks improves early detection.

What You Can Do

Request urinalysis as part of routine health checks for older horses and those showing non-specific illness signs
Seek prompt veterinary assessment for any horse showing straining to urinate or signs consistent with urinary discomfort
Ensure adequate water intake throughout the year, particularly during cold weather when horses may drink less
Discuss perineal conformation with your vet if your mare shows signs of vaginitis or poor tail cleanliness