What the heck?!?! The urine spots in the paddock are red!

​This time of the year we get a bunch of calls from concerned clients about the color of their horse’s urine in the snow.  In almost all cases this is NORMAL. When horse urine is exposed to oxygen and light it causes a chemical reaction changing the color from clearish/yellowish (when expelled) to an orangish/reddish/brownish (on the ground after it is exposed to the air and light for a bit of time).  This actually happens all year long, but the white palate of the snow just makes it stand out like a sore thumb.
 
When it becomes a concern?  If the urine coming directly out of your horse is abnormally colored or your horse is straining to urinate contact your vet right away! This can be a sign of internal bleeding, muscle damage, urinary tract infections, stones, toxicity to something it ingested (ie: red maple poisoning), etc.
 
Obviously if you have any concerns or questions, give us a call!