Bleeding Sheath

Question
Hi there,
My Pony is 12 years old. I bought him when he was 8/9. I have noticed that sometimes, usually fall/winter, his sheath bleeds. It doesn't seem to bother him. He functions fine. I am just curious if you have heard of this before, and if it is a symptom of something, or if it can be treated.

Thanks!

Emily

Answer
hi Emily,
hmm well this is deffinitly an odd problem. IF beans are restricting his urine flow or causing irritation when he urinates, he may not be voiding his bladder and there could be a build up of crystals which can irritate the bladder and cause blood in the urine. have the vet come out and clean his sheath.Normal horse urine color ranges from straw color to lighter yellow. There is usually a large degree of cloudiness in the urine due to calcium carbonate and mucus. Once urine hits the ground, it will oxidize and appear orange or red-tinged if seen in snow. Feed supplements and vitamins should not affect urine color, but may cause your horse to urinate more as the kidney clears those products that were unnecessary in the first place. try to get him to drink more water by feeding him salt with some grain. good luck and if you have anyother questions just ask and ill answer.
amanda groff