Horse Diarrhea

Like any other pet animal, your horse can experience diarrhea too.



If your horse has been feeling ill, has significantly decreased its level of activity, or has not been eating well, there are chances that your horse may have an infection or a stomach disorder.
Though there are many causes of diarrhea, it is important to ascertain the exact cause in order to carry out a suitable treatment. The horse may pass loose stools due to a variety of reasons, but there is a difference between diarrhea and loose stools.



It is important that you observe the horse for a few days and find out whether the horse is just passing loose stools randomly or regularly.

Diarrhea is typically loose stools that are watery and are passed frequently. Diarrhea is not a disorder in itself, but a symptom of a disease.



If the horse experiences a sudden onset of diarrhea, it simply means there is something wrong with the horse health. If your horse has been passing loose stools regularly, take it to a doctor for a checkup. During this period, it is advisable to keep the horse away from other animals as some infections may pass from one animal to another through stools.

Some of the most common causes of diarrhea in horses are listed below:

• Ingestion of sand or other inedible substances:

If you are in the habit of leaving your horse’s feed on the ground, there is likelihood that the horse may ingest a lot of sand along with its feed. This sand may accumulate in the horse’s stomach over a period of time. The silica present in the sand causes problems. This is a common issue in pet health care and a veterinarian will be able to treat it by simply adding some medication to the horse’s diet. Alternatively, you can use a trough for your horse’s feed or can give your horse its feed inside a stable or a bunker.

• Parasitic or bacterial infestations:

In many cases of horse diarrhea, the parasite, strongyle, is the culprit. If you deworm your horse regularly, you will be able to prevent the infestation of this parasite. You can also schedule a deworming protocol with your vet. Bacterial disease such as potomac and salmonella can also cause diarrhea in horses. In case of a bacterial infection, it is important that you isolate your horse immediately. Since these bacteria are extremely contagious, they may pass on to other animals through stools.