What Are The Most Common Equine Digestive Issues?

Your horse's digestive system is meant to handle frequent, small meals because they are grazers. Wild horses have constant access to natural forage that is fibrous and easily digested. Due to this, horses in the wild rarely experience digestive issues that are common in their domesticated relatives.

Equine digestive systems produce acid, and grazing provides food that allows them to constantly break it down, which protects the lining of the gastrointestinal system. Natural grazing situations prevent common GI problems such as colic, ulcers, gastric irritation and other equine digestive issues. 

Domesticated horses can experience digestive problems ranging from mild discomfort to severe conditions that require immediate veterinary attention. Understanding common GI upsets, causes, symptoms and treatments can help horse owners improve their equine companions' overall health, well-being and performance.

An Overview of GI Issues in Horses

Horses are non-ruminant, single-stomach herbivores that are hindgut fermenters. Their intricate and sensitive digestive system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, cecum, large intestine, and rectum, usually divided into two sections: the foregut and hindgut. The hindgut (large intestines) is the central area of fermentation of feedstuff, handling nearly half of all digestive duties. Various factors can disrupt the delicate balance in the equine digestive system, such as stress, injury, illness, hauling or feeding a diet heavy in grains and light in forage.

Gastro issues in horses commonly include the following:

Equine Colic: Causes & Prevention

Colic is a general term that describes abdominal pain in horses. It is the most dreaded equine issue because it can strike any horse for various reasons. Impaction, heavy grain diets, sand ingestion, parasites, gas accumulation or intestinal displacement often cause this painful condition.

In most cases, colic is an emergency as it's a leading cause of death in horses worldwide. If colic is left untreated, it can become excruciating and possibly lead to a slow death. Due to its seriousness, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to ensuring the best outcome.  

What to look for if you suspect your horse is colicking:

• Restlessness
• Loss of Appetite
• Depression
• Pawing
• Looking at the flank
• Lying down
• Curling upper lip
• Repeated lying down & getting up/circling
• Stretching out as if to urinate
• Kicking or biting at the abdomen
• Rolling
• Sweating
• Groaning
• Increased heart rate
• Distended abdomen
• Less or no manure
• Straining to pass manure
  

Colic is a severe condition that has a multitude of causes; if you suspect that your horse is colicking, prompt veterinary attention is necessary. 

Equine Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal disorder that signals something is off in the digestive system. The large colon regulates water absorption, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances when disrupted. Common causes of loose or watery stools in horses are abrupt dietary changes, infections, internal parasites, antibiotic use, stress or underlying health conditions. Identifying the cause is essential for effective treatment, which may involve adjusting the diet, administering medications, or addressing underlying health issues. 

Equine Gastric Ulcers

Gastric ulcers are common in horses, particularly those subjected to stress, intensive training, irregular feeding schedules or limited forage. The stomach's acidic environment can erode the protective lining, leading to painful ulcers. Symptoms may include a change in behavior, decreased performance, and sensitivity to touch around the abdomen. Treatment often involves medication, lifestyle and dietary changes. 

Loss or Lack of Appetite

Horses with a sudden disinterest in eating usually have an underlying issue. Decreased or loss of appetite in horses is commonly caused by gastric ulcers, colic, illness, pain, intense training, dental problems, poor quality feed or stress. A few missed meals caused by a change of hay or feed are not reasons for significant concern. However, prompt veterinary attention is required if the lack of appetite persists or you witness symptoms like lethargy, discomfort, fever, or weight loss. 

Equine Constipation

Constipated horses experience difficulty passing manure and may strain to pass hard, dry manure balls. Constipation is common in senior horses but can occur at any age. Causes may include dehydration, insufficient fiber intake, dental issues, parasite infestation, feed changes or bolting their food. This condition can cause discomfort and could potentially lead to colic. Ensuring horses access clean water, a balanced diet, and regular exercise can help prevent constipation.

Flatulence & Bloating in Horses

Horses usually produce a tremendous amount of gas during the digestion of grass and hay, so some flatulence is common. Gas beyond the norm is generally caused by excessive eating or drinking, heavy parasites, or more severe conditions like a twisted intestine that doesn't allow food to pass through the GI system. A sudden increase in gassiness or bloating in your horse can signify a dietary change or imbalance. While benign causes of gassiness can usually resolve themselves, gas and bloating accompanied by pain and discomfort or other colic symptoms will require a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Equine Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a broad term describing chronic digestive tract inflammation. While IBD is linked to a a multitude of diseases, typical signs include weight loss, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain and, in some instances, recurrent colic. The exact cause of IBD can be unclear, but managing the horse's diet and providing veterinary care are essential treatment components. If you suspect your horse is suffering from IBD, a thorough exam and diagnosis needs to be done by a licensed veterinarian.

Support for Your Horse’s Digestive System

Maintaining the digestive health of your horses is crucial for long-term health, wellness and optimum performance. Regular monitoring, a balanced diet and prompt veterinary care are essential to preventing digestive upsets and managing GI issues. In addition to proactive management practices, a daily feed supplement can support your horse's delicate gastrointestinal system.

Supplements vary in quality and ingredients, making it necessary to choose one backed by research and formulated with essential nutrients that support a healthy gut, prevent ulcers, ease digestive issues and build a robust immune system.