A Question About Lack of Appetite and Lethargy

 Q:

I had a question about lack of appetite and lethargy. We own a 26y.o. Quarab mare. For the past 3 days she's been leaving about 1/4 ofher grain/beet pulp mixture. Today, the third day, she would only eat 3 bites in the morning, and a few more tonight. Tonight she wouldn't go out into the pasture to graze. she was out for about 10 minutes and went right back and stood in her stall. She's pieced on some hay, but that's it. All day she's been very tired-acting, dozy sort of, and laying down much more than normal. I'm puzzled because her temp, pulse, and breathing are all normal, and she is sound. I'm concerned about her, but if it's something minor that will resolve itself i don't want to actually call a vet out. what could this be caused by? thank you very much!!

A:

You have done very well in describing your horse's symptoms, from the details concerning her lack of appetite to her lethargy and you have even checked her temperature, pulse and respiratory rate. I am however very concerned that the problem is serious. Although her symptoms are not intense they are still significant. The lethargy and the lack of appetite are always concerning symptoms in a horse. Because they are prey animals they are programmed to hide as much as possible so as to not cue predators to their vulnerability. So even what may seem mild to us is serious in the horse. Consequently it is important to get her examined by your veterinarian very soon - today if possible!

Dave Sauter, DVM

Kulshan Veterinary Hospital