My (only had her 2 months before this happened) 15 year old Arabian mare
had an ileum impaction & underwent surgery at Auburn University sucessfully
manipulating the mass without cutting into the intestine. (I watched - it
was fascinating!)  We believe she did not drink much at all for the
previous week (a week of 4 reasonably sweaty rides - August in Alabama).
Her recovery was fine-for 2 weeks.  She again did not drink, dehydrated &
had to go back for the oil, reflux test, IV stuff.  Vets have said I must
soak her hay 2 hours before I feed her and I have, on my own, started
making a soup of her FRM "Old Timer" pelleted feed.  One part feed to 2
parts water.  She does consume all of this.  I also give her a bit of corn
oil.  She STILL does not drink.  She is in stall, except when I let her out
to graze in the AM on the dewy grass.  We have tried apple juice in her
water, new buckets, etc.  Thinking about getting a metal type rather than
the plastic that other horses use.
   So....?  What can I do?    Does anyone have success stories of riding a
post colic op. horse?
  Thank you friends for your consideration of our problem.
Deborah Barber  & Buena (Arab)"I'm ready for some R&R."
                & Keely (Qtr.)"When will I be pampered?"
Loachapoka  AL