Kidney infections in ponies

[Maddison's girl]

Hi

Has anyone had a horse with a kidney infection?

My horse has been psycho horse from hell the last couple of days, she has started biting and kicking. Had the farrier out today and whilst holding her she took a chunck out of my shoulder! :eek: The farrier suggested calling the vet as he seemed to think that she was in pain, her ears were so far back they were almost touching her butt! Got the vet out and he checked her all over and when touching round her back and butt area she started biting again (fortunately everyone managed to dive out of the way this time) The vet seemed to think that she has got a kidney infection. Just wondered if anyone else had come across this in their horse? I hate it when she is unhappy and in pain! I am hoping that the painkillers will kick in quickly and she will start feeling better.

Is there anything else that I can do to make her more comfortable???

he has given her antibiotics, pain killers and anti inflammatories and said to call him out again if no improvement in a couple of days. :(

[FudgieFoo]

Ask your vet to check for ovarian cysts.

The change in temperement could be due to pain but "stallion like" behaviour is usually down to ovarian cysts just depends how your mare is behaving

[Jessey]

I was told by our vet that water infections are rare, I don't know your history with this mare (ie how long you have had her or know about her past) but I know a few mares that when they come into season get really sore just around the back of the saddle, a couple to the extent that they can't be ridden when in season, age can also make things change.

If it is a water infection try feeding cranberry juice or dried berries/powder as this helps clear the infection, if you think it could be to do with her overaries you could offer her Rasberry leaves as this helps releave 'period pains' and reduce hormonal stresses, both of these can be brought from wendals etc or you can get them from any health food shop.

J x

[Maddison's girl]

thank you for your replies :-)

I have also heard that water infections are rare! I have had her since April 1st (hmmm April fools day) and she has been finen no problems with any illness. She is a native breed so quite a hardy pony really. She lives out 24/7. It has been the last week or so that it started then on Monday she was really unhappy biting and kicking everyone and anyone!

I have brought some cranberry juice so will give her some in her feed tomorrow. I will also see if I can get some rasberry leaves. Hopefully that together with the antibiotics will clear things up. The vet said to give him a ring if there is no improvement by Friday so if I need to get him back I will ask him about overian cysts.

Thank you once again for your advice

Amanda xx

[FudgieFoo]

Yeah we went to the vet college at potters bar with a horse they thought had kidney problems and they said it was really rare in horses.

Wouldnt think it'd be a season at this time of year mind you my mare is in season. Is unusal too tho

[Maddison's girl]

shes a bit grumpy when in season but this was more psychotic than grumpy :eek:

[FudgieFoo]

Would def check out about the cysts.

She any better yet?

[Maddison's girl]

shes happy than she was so I guess she is feeling a little better thanks but still not 100%

Im going to let her have a little break from riding as I have been told that the saddle might press on her kidneys and make it uncomfortable. But would it be ok to walk her out? I dont want her becoming bored!

[moosey789]

I think walking her out would be ok, just the riding!!

[FudgieFoo]

Is she out in the field during the day?

If she is that will be enough to keep her amused. Otherwise a little wonder in hand would be fine!

[Maddison's girl]

Hi

She lives out 24/7. I might take her for a little wander tomorrow. Her mood seems to have improved so I guess she is feeling a little better now :)