Diarrhoea in Horses

Navigating Equine Health: Unraveling Scouring in Horses 

Diarrhoea in horses, also known as scouring, can be more than just a minor inconvenience—it’s a clear indication that something isn’t right within their delicate digestive system. From sudden dietary changes to underlying health conditions, this issue can significantly impact their overall well-being and performance. Understanding the causes, recognising the symptoms, and knowing how to address diarrhoea effectively are essential steps in protecting your horse’s health. In this guide, we’ll explore the common triggers, treatment options, and key preventative measures, providing you with the knowledge to support your equine companion’s gut health and help them thrive. Let’s uncover the answers together!

Equine Digestive System

Horses are herbivores with a specialised digestive system designed for continuous grazing.

The digestive tract is divided into:

• Foregut: Stomach and small intestine, where starches, proteins, and simple sugars are processed.

• Hindgut: Cecum and colon, responsible for fermenting fibrous plant material to extract nutrients.

The hindgut relies on a delicate microbial balance to function effectively. Disruptions, such as scouring, can upset this balance, impair digestion, and pose health risks. Understanding the horse’s digestive anatomy is essential for addressing and preventing digestive issues.

Common Causes of Diarrhoea 

Scouring in horses can result from a variety of factors, each disrupting the digestive system in different ways:

• Dietary Changes: Sudden alterations in feed, such as introducing rich hay or concentrates too quickly, can upset the hindgut's microbial balance.

• Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, such as salmonella or rotavirus, can irritate the digestive tract.

• Stress and Anxiety: Travel, competition, or changes in routine can lead to gut disturbances, contributing to diarrhoea.

• Medications: Certain drugs, particularly antibiotics, may disrupt the gut flora, causing loose stools.

• Toxic Ingestion: Consuming toxic plants, contaminated feed, or mouldy hay can irritate the gut lining.

• Colic Episodes: Some forms of colic, especially those affecting the large intestine, can result in diarrhoea.

• Parasitic Infestations: Worms such as strongyles or tapeworms can damage the digestive tract, leading to loose stools.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the intestinal lining can interfere with normal digestion and absorption.

• Reaction to Vaccinations: Some horses may experience mild digestive upset post-vaccination.

• Inadequate Hydration: Dehydration can weaken gut motility, leading to imbalances that may result in diarrhoea.

Identifying the underlying cause is key to effectively managing and resolving scouring in horses.

Recognising Scouring-Related Symptoms in Horses 

Observable symptoms of diarrhoea in horses can include both physical and behavioural changes, signalling the need for immediate attention:

• Physical Indicators:

• Loose or watery stool, often with an unusually strong odour.

• Signs of dehydration, such as dry gums, sunken eyes, or reduced skin elasticity.

• Weight loss or a dull coat in chronic cases.

• Behavioural Indicators:

• Acting painful or colicky, such as pawing, rolling, or looking at their flanks.

• Lethargy or reduced energy levels, appearing less alert than usual.

• Anorexia, with noticeable reluctance to eat or drink.

Promptly recognising these symptoms and consulting a veterinarian can prevent further complications and ensure the horse’s recovery.

Treatment 

Treating scouring in horses involves a combination of supportive care, dietary adjustments, and targeted interventions:

• Supportive Care: IV fluids restore hydration, while oral intestinal protectants like activated charcoal, smectite, or bismuth subsalicylate help soothe the gut.

• Medications: Anti-inflammatories, antibiotics (if infection is present), anti-parasitics, and pain relief medications address specific underlying causes.

• Dietary Adjustments: Feeding easily digestible hay and avoiding rich feeds help stabilise the gut.

• Advanced Interventions: Fecal transfaunation reintroduces healthy gut flora, promoting recovery.

Veterinary guidance is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan for the horse’s specific condition.

Dietary Considerations

A well-balanced diet is crucial for maintaining equine digestive health:

• Fibre is crucial to support proper gut function.

• Gradually introduce concentrates to avoid digestive upset.

• Maintain a consistent feeding schedule and provide access to clean water at all times.

• Avoid sudden dietary changes and limit rich, sugary feeds to prevent digestive disturbances.

• Consider adding probiotics or prebiotics to support healthy gut flora.

• Regularly monitor body condition to ensure optimal nutrition.
  

When to Seek Veterinary Care 

Horse owners should consult a veterinarian if diarrhoea persists for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by severe symptoms. Red flags include:

• Signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, or reduced skin elasticity).

• Lethargy or weakness, indicating potential systemic issues.

• Painful or colicky behaviour that does not subside.

• Presence of blood or a dark, tarry stool, which may indicate a more serious underlying condition.

• If the horse is not eating, drinking, or showing any signs of improvement despite home care.
  Professional intervention is crucial to address potential infections, toxins, or chronic conditions.

Understanding the causes and treatment of scouring in horses is essential for maintaining their digestive health. Stay vigilant, monitor symptoms closely, and seek prompt veterinary care when necessary. A proactive approach ensures the best outcome for your horse.

The Solution For Diarrhoea in Horses

Our gut supplement B-Complete is made from 100% natural dried green bananas. Whole green banana fibre acts as a pre-biotic to favour the nourishment of beneficial microflora in the gut helping to retain a healthy microbiome, thus creating gut harmony. It also contains the electrolytes potassium and magnesium, which are perfect for nourishing your horse after a bout of scouring, helping to restore essential minerals lost during dehydration and support recovery.

For more advice, contact our expert team today!