My horse has had mild diarrhea for about two weeks...?

Question

We did switch to a new hay provider around that time, but I don't think there's anything wrong with the new hay. Shortly after the hay switch, my horse's barn buddy left and now she's alone for the first time in her life (11 y/o mare). I'm certain, however, that the diarrhea started before the other horse left. What could be going on? I'm having the vet out in a few days for a booster shot anyway, and I'll ask him to look at some stool, but in the meantime, any suggestions?

Answer 1

when my horse was acting strange and we thought it was Potomac Fever, I was instructed to take his temperature.  It's supposed to be around 101 degrees.  Maybe check that so the vet can have some clues but the vet will probably do this.

My 27 year old gelding has a diarrhea problem.  What's happening is that somehow the bacteria in the cecum (large intestine) of the horse has gotten un balanced.  Mine has had some colic problems so his digestive system is starting to fail due to age.

But perhaps try this if your vet thinks it may work.  I give my old gelding - I'm not sure I'll get the spelling right - Opti-Zyme.  I bought it at TSC but it's available in most supplemental mail order catalogs like Valley Vet too.  It's in a pink and yellow self sealing bag - it's kinda like when humans eat yogurt with the beneficial bacteria in it. It looks a lot like bran and contains yeast cultures intended to restore the balance of helpful bacteria in the digestive system.  It ran between $10 and $15 for a 3 lb bag and the horse gets 1-2 scoops per day (enclosed scoop = 1 oz).  I just put it in his feed and he gobbles it up.  I started with this a week ago at the suggestion of my farrier - the horse seems a little bouncier and his stool is looking just a bit more solid, so I think it's helping.

Good luck - and it's smart to get a vet involved.  People often don't want to spend the $100 on the vet for something that seems so un-important, but they don't realize that $100 could save hundreds or even thousands trying to save the horse later -or at least hundreds putting it down.

Answer 2

im having the SAME problem with my horse!! we got our new hay over a month ago though. i wormed my horse with a Quest Plus (i dont like them, but it was either that or a powerpak which i despise) and put him on a probiotic supplement for 3 days. it did the trick... but a couple days later the cow patties were back...so i called my vet again (they are beginning to know me on a first name basis lol) and she said to put him on the probiotic daily. i guess its like eating a yogurt... helps balance the good bacteria. my smartpaks havent come in yet so i dont know what the outcome will be yet.

Answer 3

when she was wormed she may of had worms which could of caused form of the diarrhea. also the change in hay types might of just been slight enough to bother her digestive system as well. Im assuming she hasnt had her feed changed either, if not then you can rule her grain out as a possible reason for the runny p**p.

My gelding is a tb and very very sensitive with his hay, you change it just the slightest and his p**p is runny for a few weeks until he either gets used to it or we switch him back..

hope this helps

Answer 4

I lost a 6 yr old to Potomac Horse Fever, and that's how it starts I would get the vet out today, also most all pull through the diarrhea but they end up foundering, sorry but I lost my guy 3 legs went bad and after a few days of him feeling great, fever too over...  I sure hope it's nothing like that but that's what happened to me, and he was vaccinated?

The vet may want to do a stool exam then, to make sure no overload of paresites:)  That's good no other signs, thank gooness....  Hope all is okay and just a upset tummy.

Answer 5

Has your working schedule changed with her at all. When we brought a trainer out for the first couple of weeks, our young horse was getting more work then ever before and she became stressed; causing her diarrhea.

This could probably happen with her buddy leaving, and maybe a little stressed out about being alone.

Idk just guesses

Answer 6

It's very possible that it's the new hay, if it started around the time you switched. Not that there's anything wrong with the new hay, but it may be richer than they old hay. We normally feed our horses T&A, and we have 2 horses that if the bales come a little to heavy in alfalfa, we have to buy them straight timothy because the extra alfalfa gives them diarrhea. Some horses are just more sensitive than others.



It's good that your vet is coming out soon though, cuz it's definitely something you should discuss with him.  

Answer 7

Diarrhea can be a manifestation of many different disorders, some mild and some deadly.  By looking for additional signs and symptoms some causes may be ruled out or pursued.  The risk of dehydration makes diarrhea a medical urgency....the vet should be out there now, and specifically to evaluate the cause of the diarrhea.  Be sure to list everything that changed, or could in any way be related such as what you have done here....but don't take this lightly.  Time is of the essence in some cases.