Urinary

Question
Hello. I own a 15 year old qh/percheron gelding. He is a formerly severley abused rescue horse, therefore his health in the past is questionable. Recently, I've noticed blood splatter on his hind legs, and from the looks of it, it's coming from his urine. I noticed a few weeks ago, once in a while when he would urinate, the end of his penis would swell up massively within 15 seconds, then rapidly go back to normal after he was finished urinating. This hasn't occured recently, and he showed no signs of pain or troubles urinating. He also has a peculiar way of peeing, he will tilt his pelvis and not stretch his legs forward like most male horses do. he has never shown any signs of disconfort while peeing ( he will continue to eat while peeing). I am baffled by this, and with the knowledge of his past of abuse & he is extremly hard to keep weight on, I suspect a serouis health issue with him. I hope you can provide some thoughts/opinions, as seeing a vet is a last resort.

Answer
Lindsay,

Well, here's the news you don't want to hear.  He needs to see a vet ASAP.  Blood in the urine can indicate many extremely serious, some life-threatening conditions.  I suspect he also needs to be cleaned, thoroughly too.  Your description of what happens when he urinates could be caused by a urinary tract blockage or a bean in the end of his penis.  

You want to do right by this guy.  He's been through enough already.  You knew he was a special needs horse when you took him on so bite the bullet already and call the vet.  I know what it's like to have your back against the wall financially and calling the vet is only done in a real emergency.  This is one of those cases.

I hope you make the right decision for his sake.


Lyn