How a Veterinarian Can Help Your Horse with Digestive Issues
Equines are particularly at risk for digestive complaints due to their unique gastrointestinal systems. Digestive symptoms can be triggered by seemingly minor issues, such as a change in feed, or caused by a life-threatening blockage or another serious issue. No matter the cause, your veterinarian offers helpful treatments and strategies aimed at improving your horse's digestive health.
Common Digestive Issues in Horses
Your horse's digestive tract is designed to handle frequent grazing. Food passes quickly through the small stomach and travels to the hindgut, where microbes break down plant material through fermentation. Digestive issues can be related to microbial imbalances in the gut or physical causes, like twisted or displaced intestines or intestinal blockages.
Digestive issues may include:
- Colic. Colic isn't a condition, but a term used to describe abdominal pain. The severe pain may be caused by gas buildup, swallowing sand, digestive system blockages, inflammation, dietary imbalances, poor dental health, and intestinal twisting or displacement. Signs and symptoms of colic include pawing at the ground, rolling on the ground, kicking the abdomen, swollen abdomen, arching the neck, appetite loss, sweating, or trouble defecating.
- Treating Colic. Mild to moderate cases of colic can be treated with medication, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A nasogastric tube, inserted through the horse's nose, may be used to release trapped gas in the digestive system. Resolving underlying health issues, such as dental problems or dietary imbalances, will reduce the risk of another bout of colic. Mineral oil, delivered through a tube, could soften blockages, allowing them to pass easily through the digestive system. Your veterinarian may recommend surgery if your horse has a stubborn intestinal blockage or displaced or twisted intestines. Prompt treatment is essential, as colic can be deadly in some cases.
- Diarrhea. Loose bowel movements are a cause for concern if the problem continues more than a few days. Stress, infections, parasites, sand ingestion, dietary changes and poor absorption of nutrients from foods can cause diarrhea.
- Treating Diarrhea. Your veterinarian may recommend intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent or improve dehydration. Treatment of diarrhea depends on the cause. Antibiotics may be prescribed for infections, while de-wormers will kill parasites that cause diarrhea. Special supplements will help remove sand from the digestive system. Making gradual dietary changes and finding ways to reduce stress, such as offering more frequent turnout time, may be helpful. Treating diarrhea is particularly important, as severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, gut inflammation, or laminitis.
- Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS). EGUS causes painful sores in the stomach. Symptoms may include pain, decreased appetite, behavioral changes, dull coat, lack of energy, and diarrhea. EGUS can be caused by stress, transportation, not eating enough forage, high-grain diets or stall confinement. The Horse notes that horses that must take NSAIDs for arthritis or other conditions are at higher risk of developing EGUS.
- Treating EGUS. Omeprazole, the same medication people use to treat stomach ulcers, reflux disease and heartburn, is also used to treat EGUS. The medication decreases the amount of acid in the stomach, allowing damaged tissues to heal. Reducing stress and improving the diet can be helpful in horses with EGUS.
Managing and Preventing Digestive Issues
You can reduce your horse's risk of digestive problems by:
- Introducing New Feed Gradually Over the Course of a Week or Two
- Offering Plenty of Forage
- Increasing Turnout Time and Social Interaction to Decrease Stress
- Keeping Routines Consistent
- Scheduling Annual Dental Exams (Including Floating to Remove Ridges from Teeth)
- Using Elevated Feeders to Prevent Sand Ingestion
- Providing Ample Water to Prevent Dehydration
- Offering a Dose of Omeprazole Before Potentially Stressful Events or Trailering Your Horse
Is your horse experiencing a digestive problem? We can diagnose the problem and offer treatments designed to protect your horse's health. Contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Sources:
Merck Veterinary Manual: Introduction to Digestive Disorders of Horses, 9/2024
The Horse: Equine Digestive Dilemmas, 9/15/2022
https://thehorse.com/193253/equine-digestive-dilemmas/
American College of Veterinary Surgeons: Laminitis in Horses
https://www.acvs.org/large-animal/laminitis-in-horses/
UCDavis Veterinary Medicine Center for Equine Health: Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome, 7/29/2019
https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/equine-gastric-ulcer-syndrome
Penn State Extension: Colic: What are the Signs and How to Manage?, 4/25/2024
https://extension.psu.edu/colic-what-are-the-signs-and-how-to-manage
The Plaid Horse: Digestive Disorders In Horses: 3 Types And Treatment Options, 7/1/2022