Why Do Horses Get Diarrhoea?

Jul 14, 2024

3 min read

Diarrhoea can be a real headache for horse owners. Sometimes it's just a passing issue, but other times it can be a big deal. Let's dive into what causes it and how to handle it, by looking at the common causes.

Why Horses Get Diarrhoea

Horses can get diarrhoea for lots of reasons. Sometimes it's just new food, stress, or dirty water. But it can also be a sign of something more serious, like viral or bacterial infections (think equine coronavirus or salmonella), parasites, or even toxins.

Common Causes of Diarrhoea in Horses

Diet Changes Rapid changes in hay or grain, or overfeeding, can trigger diarrhoea in horses. Sudden dietary shifts disrupt the gut microbiome, causing loose stools. Transition your horse’s diet gradually over three to four weeks.
Situational Stress Stress from traveling, heat, exercise, or performance can cause diarrhoea in horses. You might notice loose manure during trailering or afterward.
Internal Parasites Parasites can invade the colon, attach to the intestinal lining, and disrupt gut function, leading to diarrhoea. Contact your veterinarian for a fecal egg count to identify the parasites present and determine the best dewormer for your horse.
Poor Dental Health Horses need healthy teeth to chew and break down roughage properly. Poor dentition can lead to longer forage length and diarrhoea. Regular dental checkups with your veterinarian can help identify any problematic teeth or abnormalities causing watery diarrhoea.
Oral Medications Supplements or medications, especially antibiotics, can upset the balance of intestinal flora, leading to loose manure. If your horse has been on medications and you notice diarrhoea, consult your veterinarian for further guidance.
Eating Sand Horses ingest small amounts of sand daily, which is usually harmless. However, consuming too much can irritate the gut lining, causing colic and diarrhoea. If your horse is in a sandy area, feed from a large, shallow water tub to avoid direct sand ingestion. If your horse is eating sand, a mineral imbalance might be present, and a natural mineral supplement could help.

How to Help

First, figure out what's causing the diarrhoea. If it’s just from a diet change or a bit of stress, it might clear up on its own. Make sure your horse has clean water, a stable diet, and a stress-free environment.

Checking the diet is crucial, especially the levels of fiber, sugar, and starch. These affect the horse's gut, and you need to get them right before anything else. A good digestive supplement with live probiotics is usually the first step in treatment.

If the diarrhoea sticks around or gets worse, call the vet. They’ll probably run some tests (like checking poop samples or blood) to find out what’s going on. Then, they can recommend the best treatment. If your horse has been on antibiotics, a probiotic like Saccharomyces boulardii (found in CEN XtraBalance) can help fix the gut as it is resistant to antibiotics.

Wrapping Up

Diarrhoea in horses can be both challenging and worrying, but with prompt intervention and the right care, most cases can be managed effectively. It's important to recognize the signs of diarrhoea, understand its possible causes, and seek veterinary care quickly to ensure your horse stays healthy.

Prevention is key. Establishing good management practices—like providing a balanced diet, maintaining proper hygiene, and following a regular worm testing schedule—can significantly reduce the risk of diarrhoea and other digestive issues in your horse.

If you suspect a chronic problem or are uncertain, always reach out to your veterinarian. They have the knowledge and expertise to identify the root causes of diarrhoea and develop a treatment plan tailored to your horse's needs, ensuring a swift recovery.

Caring for your horse's health is vital. By staying informed and proactive, you can help ensure a long, happy life for your horse.

Special Note: If you are still confused and need extra help in finding the right diet balance for your horse. CEN Nutrition offers a Free Diet Analysis service to help your horse’s diet be more simple and effective.