My mare has very strong urine, possible infection, any ideas,not keen on going down the antibiotic line?

Question

She is not unwell or showing any signs of ill health at all, quite the opposite, it was just an observation.

Vet call is on top of my list as well as taking him a urine sample for testing. I didn't know if anyone new of a herbal remedy that maybe i could consider

Answer 1

Mare's urine often become's stronger smelling and a darker cloudier color when in estrous. Most mare's with UT infections will often act a bit sour, nipping at their backs, and more lethargic. If your equine has any of these symptoms I would take her in to the vet.
As a veterinarian I don't really like to recommend herbal remedies. Often because many horse's have advert and allergic reactions to them. However, by adding a tablespoon of salt into your equine's feed ration, this will increase water intake which helps clean out organs. Make sure though that your equine's water trough is clean and free from algea, seeing as most equine's will not consume enough water if it is unsanitary.

Answer 2

The vet may recommend antibiotics as the best and fastest route to curing the infection (if there is one), but I would ask about herbal remedies / supplements too. If it happens again, your horse may be prone to them, and may benefit from some kind of preventative supplement.

They've worked for me, at least! I used to suffer from urinary tract infections ALL THE TIME. The doctors didn't have a good reason for why I got them so often. They just said some women are unlucky like that, and explained that I might have a shorter-than-usual urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to get to the bladder. None of the usual advice that the doctors gave and that is available on the internet worked. It was so bad, I was starting to become immune to the usual antibiotics.

Then I saw a new doctor who suggested some herbal remedies. Firstly cranberry pills, which I had stopped taking because I thought they didn't work. But there is a big difference in quality. The grocery store variety didn't help me,. but I got some high-potency ones and those were much more effective.

Also I tried D-Mannose, which is basically a simple sugar (like glucose) but the body doesn't digest it. I don't know if this is true or not for horses, but if not perhaps there is something comparable. Anyways, it just goes through the system undigested (so it's even safe for diabetics) but in the bladder, the infectious bacteria are attracted to the D-Mannose molecules and stick to them instead of the bladder wall, and so can be flushed out.

It made a WORLD of difference to me because now I don't need harsh antibiotics anymore to prevent or cure infections and so I am a big believer now in looking for the natural alternative if possible, because the natural remedy may be safer AND more effective.

Answer 3

I would check out the infection possibility first with a urine culture via the vet (as you planned) - if that is ok and your mare is in good health and has plenty of water then why treat at all? Humans sometimes get cloudy/smelly urine from phosphate crystals which is physiological. Your vet would advise if there is anything else that it could be a symptom of and would be able to do any other appropriate checks. I wouldn't treat just for the sake of it.

Answer 4

I'm sorry, but if you are worried about a possible infection it is your responsibility to have it checked to find out exactly what is wrong. Once that is accomplished then you can accurately and knowledgeably formulate a treatment plan. There are herbal remedies, but using them without knowing the cause of the symptoms can be worse than the disease. There really are a number of things that could be the cause of your mare's strong urine.

***Update**** Chasteberry may be of some help, after determining the cause. I believe a search for chasteberry + horse will bring up a lot of info.

Answer 5

Mares urine becomes stronger when she is in estrus. Does she have any other signs of being in heat? Such as tail position or moodiness/restless behavior?

Waiting too long to treat for a UTI can result in kidney damage, and risks the long term health of your horse.

Your best bet, if you dont want to risk a vet call, is to have a more experienced horse friend come over and have a look at her. A seasoned person might be able to give you some better ideas.

Answer 6

Antibiotics are the only thing that will cure an infection - that is what they are made for! If she has to have them, I'd give her a probiotic after she has finished the course as this helps get their digestive tract back up to speed, NAF's pink powder is an excellent one. She could just be dehydrated, the weather has been very erratic recently. Good for you for calling the vets though and arranging her a test

Answer 7

If the vet reccomends antibiotics you should take his advice to put your poor mare out of discomfort and prevent some serious damage to her. Antibiotics aren't bad for the horses as long as they aren't given them when not necessary...

Here is a website that lists a lot of good homeopathic ideas!

http://www.naturallyequine.com/articles/homoeopathy.shtml

Answer 8

i know cranberry and dandelions are good for urinary infections and there are herbal remedies out there but possibly wait for the vet test before treating her yourself, check the obvious first, diet change, access to water, coming into season, those can change the concentration of urine, try this site may be helpful
http://www.equine-natural-health.co.uk/
good luck

Answer 9

Hi, my mare's urine used to get stronger smelling in the spring 'cos of her seasons. Also I assume she has access to plenty of fresh water in this hot weather? If in doubt, call the vet especially if she has any other symptoms such as raised temperature/rapid pulse etc

Good luck!

Answer 10

Mares get really strong smelling urine that is also cloudy when they are in season and they love peeing when there are any boys around! Don't worry too much if her pee stinks when she is in season.