by Alice Shoaf

Created on: May 11, 2011   Last Updated: May 12, 2011

As large and solid as horses seem to be, they tend to have ticklish digestive systems.  Diarrhea is a common complaint with many common causes.  It may only occur once in awhile or be a chronic condition, but it should never be ignored. 

At the least, diarrhea robs your horse of fluids and electrolytes, inviting dehydration. Other problems may include weight loss, low-grade abdominal pain, lowered performance, and a higher risk of other intestinal problems.  Left untreated it can develop into a chronic condition, or allow a secondary infection or imbalance that is potentially life-threatening.  Diarrhea is almost never self-perpetuating.  It is a symptom of something, and it is up to you to uncover and correct the underlying problem.

Occasional diarrhea is normally the soft cow-plop kind.  It may last a day or two and will correct itself when the problem is corrected.  Other than making sure your horse is drinking adequately, no special care is needed unless other symptoms arise.

It is time to call a veterinarian if any of the following exist:

* Diarrhea is profuse or projectile and watery;

* horse also exhibits fever, depression, or extreme lethargy;

* hoof wall temperature is either hot or cold, signaling possible laminitis;

* horse is colicky or shows obvious signs of gastrointestinal pain;

* horse was losing weight before the diarrhea started;

* horse is being given medication, prescribed or otherwise; or

* has an existing condition or illness that puts him at greater risk.

Sudden Change in Diet

A sudden dietary change is the primary cause of equine diarrhea.  Horses simply do not handle change well, as a rule.  Any time a new feed or supplement is added, upset can result. Fresh green grass and protein-rich hay, like pure alfalfa hay, are especially hard on horses until they acclimate to it; but any dietary change can affect them adversely. 

Young horses moving from nursing to solid food are prime candidates for occasional diarrhea.  So are stable-kept horses when returning to pasture, pastured horses being introduced to concentrated food formulas, horses that travel, and any horse getting his first taste of new spring grass.  Another cause is using generic commercial feeds.  If the label lists ‘grain products’ as an ingredient, it can be a varying mixture of several grains or varying quantities of grains.  This can amount to a sudden change in feed with some horses.

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