Most horse owners are familiar with diarrhea, especially in the coming, darker season. However, many horses only suffer from this problem in the summer, and some even suffer from it all year round. Despite its ubiquity, diarrhea is a phenomenon in horses that has so far been little researched.[1]
The occurrence of watery stools should not be confused with diarrhea. In the case of watery stools, the horse's stools are usually even of normal shape, but can also be watery or "cow pat"-like. In addition to the horse manure, a brown, watery liquid, known as watery stools, is deposited.[2]
As a rule, horses affected by diarrhea do not have any other health problems. However, some horses also show significant discomfort when passing diarrhea. Studies have shown that horses with diarrhea have increased digestive problems, such as more frequent colic. Horses with stomach ulcers are also more prone to diarrhea. Some horses develop skin lesions on the anus and between the hind legs due to the diarrhea, especially if the areas contaminated by diarrhea are not cleaned properly.[3]
The causes of diarrhea are varied, as are the horses affected. Stress of any origin can be a contributing factor to diarrhea. According to a study by Zehnder (2009), social stress is a possible trigger. In this study, low-ranking horses were particularly affected by diarrhea. It was also noticeable that more spotted horses were affected by diarrhea. It was suspected that these horses were more likely to be excluded from the herd due to their different appearance. It should be noted, however, that the social rank was assessed by the owner himself. Therefore, these figures should be viewed with some caution, as owners do not always assess social rank correctly.[4]
Feeding is also a decisive factor in the development of diarrhea. The occurrence of diarrhea is often associated with haylage feeding. However, according to Meyer & Coenen (2014), diarrhea also occurs in horses fed exclusively with hay.[5]
To treat diarrhea, stress reduction is always a good idea for horses. In terms of feeding, feeding yeast products, such as the live yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, has proven to be effective. It is suspected that the live yeast stabilizes the acid-base balance in the cecum and large intestine and thus supports the natural intestinal bacteria.[6] Hestevard Profix is a good support for diarrhea. The live yeast it contains helps to restore balance in the digestive system. B vitamins are generally synthesized in the large intestine itself. However, if the intestinal flora is disturbed, the synthesis sometimes does not work sufficiently, so supplementary feeding is a good idea. In addition to live yeast , Hestevard Profix Paste Advanced contains electrolytes that can compensate for the loss of fluid through diarrhea and a quickly available source of energy. Pectins also form a protective film that protects the stomach lining.
For horses that like to eat sand or stand on short grass, Hestevard Colonaid is also a good choice. Psyllium husks bind excess fluid and can support the excretion of eaten sand or soil. This also improves the consistency of the stool.
Our new product Darmprofi can also be used to support diarrhea and digestive problems. Fructo-oligosaccharides strengthen a healthy gastrointestinal flora. Kaolinite clays and pectins maintain intestinal motility. The electrolytes contained in it replenish reserves used up through fluid loss.
You can only obtain Hestevard products from your vet. You can also order Darmprofi as an end consumer in our online shop.
[1] Ertelt, A. & Gehlen, H. (2015) Diarrhea in horses – an unsolved problem, Pferdeheilkunde 31 (2015) 3 (May/June) 261-268
[2] Lindroth, KM & Johansen, A. & Båverud, V. & Dicksved, J. & Lindberg, JE & Müller, CE (2020) Differential Defecation of Solid and Liquid Phases in Horses - A Descriptive Survey, Anim 2020, 10, 76
[3] Kangas, P. (2019) Free faecal liquid in horses – chemical composition of faeces in cases and controls, Master’s thesis University of Helsinki
[4] Zehnder, C. (2009) Field study on risk factors for the discharge of free fecal water in leisure horses, From the Veterinary Science Department of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Chair of Animal Nutrition and Dietetics, Prof. Dr. E. Kienzle
[5] Meyer, H. & Coenen, M. (2014) Horse Feeding (5th Edition) Enke Verlag, Stuttgart
[6] Roettger, S. & Zentek, J. (2009) On the importance of live yeasts in the feeding practice of horses. Vienna. Veterinary Medicine Mschr. - Vet. Med. Austria 96(2009), 167 – 170
