How Do I Know If My Horse Has Digestive Issues?
Ensuring the health and wellness of your equine is a top priority. A horse’s digestive system is essential to overall health but often goes unnoticed. Generally, emphasis is placed on the horse's external appearance, making it easy to overlook subtle symptoms until they become more pronounced.
How to Detect Gastric Upset in Horses
Digestive issues can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Their digestive tract is sensitive, and the delicate balance of microbes is easily disrupted by abrupt changes, stress, improper feeding practices and stall confinement. Knowing what clinical signs and symptoms to watch is an excellent approach to identifying potential issues before they worsen.
Common Signs of Equine Digestive Distress
Most horse owners have heard of colic, one of the most dreaded conditions, but horses can experience other gastrointestinal issues. Conditions include gastric ulcers, parasite infestation, enteroliths (intestinal stones) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Equine GI issues vary from mild to severe, but all still require your attention and prompt veterinary care.
Here is a list of signs and symptoms to help you recognize when your equine companion is experiencing gastro distress:
Changes in Eating Habits
Your horse may show a sudden decrease in appetite, leaving hay or grain behind. He may not be interested in eating or is selective about what he eats. If your hay and grain are fresh, your horse may be experiencing digestive discomfort or dental problems.
Changes in Behavior
Horses that are agitated or restless are usually in this state due to pain or discomfort. Reluctance to move or perform indicates that your horse is hurting. New behaviors such as excessive rolling or pawing may be a response to abdominal pain.
Changes in Manure
Abrupt changes in the consistency of your horse's feces are a sign of digestive upset. Diarrhea (loose or watery stools) often indicates stress, poor dental health, sand ingestion, diet changes or parasitic load. If you've noticed a reduction in manure production or your horse is straining to defecate, your horse may be constipated or impacted, leading to colic if not addressed promptly.
Water Intake Monitoring
While automatic waterers are convenient, they make it nearly impossible to tell how much water your horse consumes. Horse's average water consumption is approximately 6 to 10 gallons per day. If your horse suddenly drinks too much or too little, it may indicate something is amiss. Dehydration can lead to constipation and, left untreated, can cause severe problems like impaction colic.
Don't Ignore Physical Changes
Unexplained or chronic weight loss may be caused by inefficient nutrient adsorption, reduced appetite, gut health issues or poor dental health. Healthy digestion contributes to a shiny coat. If your horse's coat appears dull, nutritional deficiencies or gastrointestinal issues may be to blame.
Is It Colic?
Recognizing colic symptoms ensures your horse gets the immediate veterinarian intervention required for a successful outcome.
While there are different types of colic, all usually present with these common signs:
- Pawing
- Repeatedly circling and rolling
- Looking at or biting at flank
- Kicking at their belly
- Sweating
- Curled upper lip
- Not eating
- Straining to pass manure
- Stretching
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Reduced manure production
It's important to note that if horse owners observe any signs of gastrointestinal distress, especially colic, prompt veterinary attention is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Regular veterinary check-ups, preventive measures, and a well-balanced diet contribute to maintaining optimal gastrointestinal health in horses.
Supporting Your Horse’s Gastro-Intestinal Health
Preventing digestive issues in horses requires a holistic approach. Implement a consistent feeding schedule that emphasizes free access to high-quality roughage and utilizes minimal grain or concentrates. Provide regular dental care, access to clean water, reduce stressors and limit the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Transition horses to new feedstuffs slowly and regularly monitor your horse's weight, behavior, water intake and manure production. Adding a scientifically formulated feed supplement for gut health helps aid natural digestion, supports gut flora balance, reduces inflammation and boosts immunity. Routine veterinary care and addressing any concerns promptly contribute to a healthy digestive system, promoting the overall well-being of your equine companion.