What’S Causing My Horse’S Diarrhea?

Diarrhea in horses is a sign of health issues, and it is crucial to consult a veterinarian if the problem persists. Horses can quickly become dehydrated due to diarrhea, which can be caused by situational stress, poor dental health, internal parasites, diet changes, oral medications, and eating sand. The most common causes of diarrhea are linked to dietary management, bacterial infections, toxins, or viruses. Underlying causes include infectious agents, parasites, ingestion of toxins or irritants, and shifts in the digestive tract.

Diarrhea in horses is caused by increased water content in manure due to increased secretion and decreased absorption of water in the gastrointestinal tract. Other causes include grain overload, thromboembolic disease of the colon, peritonitis, and antimicrobial agents. Diarrhea can also be caused by malabsorption, increased osmotically active particles in the lumen, increased secretion of water and electrolytes, and excessively loose stool.

When absorbing too much sand, the sand accumulates in the intestines, resulting in diarrhea and/or colic. Regularly providing a sand-free environment can help prevent this issue. It is essential to seek medical attention if the problem persists or worsens.