Diarrhea in Horses – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

ABSTRACT

Diarrhea in adult horses can either be acute or chronic in nature and causes can be ascertained in half of the cases only. Infectious agents that have been found as potential causes of acute diarrhea in adult horses include numerous Clostridium difficile, C perfringens, Salmonella serovars, Neorickettsia risticii, Aeromonas spp, coronavirus, and cyathostomiasis. However in many cases it can occur due to ingestion of toxic substances by horse, NSAID toxicity, colitis induced by antimicrobial drugs, and sand enteropathy. Diarrhea persisting for more than one month in horses is considered to be chronic one. In such cases the diagnosis can be difficult. In this write up you can get all the information about Diarrhea in horses its Ayurvedic management and treatment by herbal remedies from Planet Ayurveda.

INTRODUCTION TO DIARRHEA IN HORSES

Diarrhea in horses is a common ailment in horses and can be either acute or chronic depending upon the time duration the horse is suffering from. Causes in both types can be different. However, in many cases horses recover on their own where the disease is mild. But in many other cases proper diagnosis and treatment is required. Where an acute form of disease is caused due to many infectious and toxic agents, the chronic diarrhea is caused due to many non-inflammatory conditions of the intestines. In such cases there occurs fermentation in the large intestine due to the altered intestinal flora, antimicrobial treatment, changes in diet or other unknown causes. Your horse may need a treatment where the condition is caused due to intestinal parasite, infection or other gastrointestinal condition making them very ill.

Diarrhea in Horses – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Keep a check on these

Skin conditions like lesion formations and discharges are the primary signs that we may notice. Respiratory issues could also be present.Sudden loss of appetite preceded by abnormal skin conditions and weight loss associated with it, is another visible symptom. Lesions on eye areas could be also visible as these fungi further start to develop to higher stages. This should be immediately treated as it might affect their vision. It's very important to be keen about these symptoms to make it easy for your dogs and prevent them from reaching higher stages like actively affecting their internal organs.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF THE DIARRHEA IN HORSES

As per Ayurveda, the diseases are caused due to the imbalance in any of the three doshas. Here the digestive fire (Agni) is also low. Digestive fire(Agni) is responsible for the digestion and if it is low, digestion is disturbed.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DIARRHEA IN HORSES

Clinically ill horses may show certain signs and symptoms like.

Pain in abdomen
Thirst is increased
Activity is decreased
Depression
Dehydration
Weight loss
Pot belly
Dull eyes
Poor coat

CAUSES OF DIARRHEA IN HORSES

As previously discussed there can be many causes of both an acute and chronic form of the condition. On the contrary, sometimes horses recover themselves when the condition is not as severe. Naturally there are many normal bacteria in the large colon and caecum. These bacteria of different types are an important part of intestinal flora in the horses. But if there occurs a sudden imbalance of these bacteria due to antimicrobial treatment, changes in the diet or ingesting any toxic substance, digestion gets upset and diarrhea occurs in horses. Hence when the balance of these organisms is restored the digestion also gets on the track. This sometimes occurs on its own and sometimes may require treatment.

Salmonellosis is an infection which can cause a severe form of the disease ranging from acute to chronic. Some of the horses are carriers of the infection which shows symptoms only when given any antibiotics treatment or after being hospitalized for surgery. Another cause of diarrhea in horses can be parasites infection which usually affects older or young debilitated horses.

Stress can also be a reason for diarrhea in horses when they are transported through a long way under hot conditions, stress during or after surgery or stress developed due to general anesthesia. All these factors can cause toxemia and damage to the gut wall.

DIAGNOSIS OF DIARRHEA IN HORSES

Signs and symptoms make the diagnosis obvious but the diagnosing cause can be a difficult task. The veterinarian will take a detailed history about the horse including any changes in diet, stress, surgery, and other conditions. Along with this stool samples are also sent to the laboratory for finding the presence of a parasite or other infective organism. Rectal biopsy is also performed in some cases where the horse is sedated.

TREATMENT OF DIARRHEA IN HORSES

In cases where only minor disturbances are present in the digestive system of the horse, treatment is not required and resolved in a day or two on its own. But if the cause requires to be treated or the symptoms are severe the treatment is given. Before the diagnosis if the treatment is started, treatment is given on the base of symptoms and also any exaggerating factor is removed like antibiotics, green grass or rich feed. After the cause is found, treatment is given accordingly.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR DIARRHEA IN HORSES

As the disease is caused due to low Agni (Digestive fire) and imbalance of the tridosha, i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha. Hence the treatment is given to reignite the Agni and bring back the doshas into balance. This is attained through herbal remedies which possess natural qualities to treat such conditions.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR DIARRHEA IN HORSES

Herbal Remedies manufactured by Planet Ayurveda are used to treat diseases not only in humans but in animals as well. These herbal remedies are free from any type of chemicals, additives, preservative, color, dye, filler, or yeast which make them much more effective and safe. For diarrhea in horses Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies that helps in treating the condition naturally.

Diarrhea Horses Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis Treatment

Products List

Halorhena + capsule
Digestion support
Mahashankh vati
Motion stop tablets

Products Description

1. Halorhena + Capsules

These are the single herb capsules which are prepared using standardized extract of a herb called Kutaj ( Holarrhena antidysenterica). Halorhena + capsules helps in treating diarrhea and re-establishing the digestion.

Dosage - Give 6 capsules twice daily with or after meals

2. Digestion support

Herbs like Amla ( Emblica officinalis), Bahera ( Terminalia bellerica), Sounf ( Foeniculum vulgare), Haritaki ( Terminalia chebula), Jeerak ( Cyminum cuminum), Dhania ( Coriander sativum) and Pippali ( Piper longum) are used in the preparation of these herbal capsules. As the name suggests, these capsules restore the digestion and treat the digestive issues.

Dosage - Give 2 capsules twice daily with or after meals

3. Mahashankh vati

These are the herbal tablets which help in balancing the tridosha and relieve gas and pain in the abdomen. Mahashankh vati is prepared using herbs like Saikharika ( Achyranthes aspera), Chitraka ( Plumbago zeylanica), Nimbu ( Citrus limon), Amla ( Emblica officinalis) etc.

Dosage - Give 6 tablets twice daily with or after meals

4. Motion stop tablets

Kutaj ( Holarrhena antidysenterica), Anar ( Punica granatum), Bael ( Aegle marmelos), Haldi ( Curcuma longa), and Nagarmotha ( Cyperus rotundus) are the herbs used in preparing these multi herbal tablets. Motion stop tablets help in treating loose stools and restore healthy digestion.