Diarrhoea in horses

Diarrhoea in horses

Dr C.E. Foote

Equine Consulting Services

Chronic diarrhoea is normally of large intestinal origin resulting from some upset to the normal balance of the intestinal flora. It can follow stress such as the prophylactic use of antibioitics. It should also be remembered that the adult horse loses the ability to digest lactose when about 3 years old so that large intakes of milk sugar after this time may cause diarrhoea. Chronic diarrhoea can also be prompted by parasitism, mesenteric abscesses or some disorder of vital organs.

The loss of integrity of the gut mucosa associated with protein-losing gastroenteropathy commonly causes chronic diarrhoea. The loss will reduce the efficiency of net absorption of energy and protein sources as well as those of minerals, trace elements and vitamins.   Salmonellosis, colitis and many other causes of diarrhoea are associated with rapid transit of digesta through the large intestine. This means that fibre digestion is impaired and that the efficiency of reabsorption of water and electrolytes is depressed. 

Regardless of the cause of diarrhoea, fibre ingestion is beneficial, and may also stimulate intestinal segmental motility (which slows ingesta passage) and add bulk and form to the faeces. The diarrhoeic horse should have good quality forage always readily available. If hydrated body weight is not maintained with forage alone, then grain may be fed, or a complete pelleted or extruded feed (in the case of the aged horse, refer article “Care of the aged horse”) containing both grain and forage may be fed with up to 20% vegetable oil added. Blood monitoring may be advised, so that the appropriate electrolyte drinks (such as “Recharge”) and fresh water separately, can be given. In the absence of this and of inclement to weather, it may be feasible to turn the horse out to sheltered pasture, as green herbage is a good source of electrolytes. Remember that bacterial diarrhoea may cause a contamination of the pasture for a period.

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References:

Frape, D. (1997). Equine Nutrition and Feeding, Edition 2. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, UK.

Lewis, L.D. (1995). Equine Clinical Nutrition, Feeding and Care. Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore, USA