As a proud horse owner, you’re sure to know your animal’s habits inside and out! It can therefore be a worrying time if you notice that something’s wrong, such as your horse passing loose stool. Often, this is a problem that can be cleared up easily, however it can lead to more serious issues. That’s why, here at The Insurance Emporium, we’ve spoken to our horse health expert to find out more about diarrhoea in horses!
The dangers of diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is a relatively common problem for horses, its severity usually depends on the underlying cause. It’s important to recognise the signs of diarrhoea in your pony. This is because, if symptoms persist, horses can lose large volumes of fluid in a short space of time, which might lead to more serious complications.
The symptoms
The easiest symptom of diarrhoea to spot will be your horse producing large amounts of loose droppings on a frequent basis. They might also display tiredness, lack of appetite, colic, weight loss, high temperature, dehydration, laminitis, as well as swollen limbs or belly. If you spot any of these symptoms, or the diarrhoea persists for more than 24 to 48 hours, you should contact your vet as soon as possible.
Causes of mild diarrhoea
It can be common for adult horses to develop mild diarrhoea from time to time, and it can be the result of a change of diet. Stress from travelling, competition or separation from other horses can also bring on the condition. There are dental conditions that can affect how well your horse is able to chew fibre, which could be another cause of digestive issues.
Prevention
You might be able to prevent milder cases of diarrhoea in horses by following good feeding procedures and introducing any change of diet gradually. Probiotic supplements can also help support natural gut flora, for a healthier digestive system. It’s also important to keep up-to-date with both dental and worming treatments. In the event that your horse suffers from diarrhoea, make sure to keep them separated from other ponies, to prevent them passing it on.
Causes of severe diarrhoea
More severe cases will usually be the result of another underlying issue, which could be determined by your vet testing a stool sample from your horse. Some causes might be; bacterial infections, parasites (such as worms), viruses, side effects from some drugs, liver disease or peritonitis.
Chronic diarrhoea
If your horse develops diarrhoea that continues for more than a month, it’s termed ‘chronic’. This might be caused by conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, neoplasia such as lymphoma, as well as other non-gastrointestinal causes. These would be diagnosed by your vet following clinical examination, as well as blood and faecal tests. They might also carry out an abdominal ultrasound scan, peritoneal tap or biopsy of the gut wall.
The number one priority for every horse owner is making sure your pony is safe and well. Make sure to contact your vet if you notice any of the symptoms we’ve mentioned in this article, or if you feel you need more advice on diarrhoea in horses. By remaining vigilant, and taking necessary precautions, you could ensure the happiness of your horse during all your adventures together!
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