One of Briahna's barn buddies has taken to stretching out when he's standing, like he's going to urinate.  He isn't though, just standing like that.  He's quite up there in age, has Cushing's, some leg issues that have taken him out of active riding, just stable patrol for exercise.  I thought I read somewhere that position meant something, just can't find it.  Can anyone help?

Bev and Briahna

It can be a sign of mild colic.  Probably not the only thing though, so don't panic.

 I think horses who have foundered stand stretched out.

Could be ulcers, mild colic, back issuse, the list can go on and on. Keep an eye on him and if he gets worse, give the vet a call.

Most commonly, I've seen it as a response to back soreness.

When a gelding stands like that, like he's going to pee and doesn't, it usually means that there is something blocking the flow of urine, or making it painful to urinate. Just to be safe, a vet visit should be in order. Kidney stones or beans in the sheath are the most common causes of this, and if it is not addressed, it can become serious, leading to bladder/kidney infections. Not to mention pain for the poor horse. I am speaking from experience; this happened to a gelding I was taking care of many years ago. You can rule out founder if his feet are cool to the touch and he's moving around comfortably, and if he is showing no other signs of colic (i.e. he has good gut sounds). Try to watch him until someone sees him actually urinate; if he keeps stretching out like he wants to go and doesn't more than 3 or 4 times, call the vet. Good luck with the old guy.

Grrr!! I just typed out a good response to this and the d$*m site deleted it. Alright, I'll try again.

 

When a gelding is standing stretched out like he needs to pee but doesn't, it usually means that there is something blocking the flow of urine, either a kidney stone or a bean in the sheath. It can be pretty painful for the poor horse. I would recommend a call to the vet. If someone can, watch the horse and see if he ever does actually pee within a couple of hours, or if he just wants/tries to. If there is a blockage it can be potentially serious, leading to bladder/kidney infections.

 

I know that some horses don't drink as much in the winter as they should; some don't like the cold water, especially if they have teeth issues. This can contribute to urinary blockages, too. You can rule out founder if his hooves are all cool and he is otherwise moving around comfortably, and if he has good gut sounds colic is more than likely not the problem. Just to be safe, I would be calling the vet. I had this happen to a gelding that I was taking care of many years ago. Good luck with the old guy.

 

It COULD be colic or even a bad hoof trim. But he's in obvious discomfort and should be looked at by a professional. ~FH

It COULD be colic or even a bad hoof trim. But he's obviously at some level of discomfort and should be looked at by a professional. ~FH

 

SORRY FOR THE DOUBLE POST! ES is screwing up...again.

Wow, FH, I love your pic. What a good boy. Is he house broken?

Just to add to what the others have already suggested;  this is one of my guy's CLASSIC signs that he's colicing, does it every time, never fails.

Hey thanks for the valuable input, I'll pass it on to his mom.  As soon as she comes, he's at the gate, wanting to go with her so she never sees him in that pose.  Since he only reacts to me when I come bearing goodies, I can observe and report.

Bev and Briahna

thatwindow:

Is he house broken?

No. And the front door doesn't hang quite right anymore either. ~FH

Did you ever find an answer?  I have seen some TWs stand like that in the pasture, and it might be a comfortable stance for gaited breeds.  I would be very interested to hear what you found out.

luneducheval:

Did you ever find an answer?  I have seen some TWs stand like that in the pasture, and it might be a comfortable stance for gaited breeds.  I would be very interested to hear what you found out.

Well, his Mom tells me he has recently been put on Adaquan (I think that's how it's spelled) for his creaky joints and he feels so good he's forgotten he's really 26 years old  and had been whoopin it up a couple of days before I saw him.  He was just sore, all over probably according to his Mom.  She said she's never seen him stand like that before either, so that's all we could figure.

Bev and Bri