Loose manure (sometimes referred to as having the 'squirts'!) or passing water after manure can be distressing for horse owners. Continue to monitor your horse - it could be a one-off case or what is considered 'chronic'. A vet is recommended for extreme or on-going cases.
The best way to deal with a scouring problem is to gain an understanding of the particular factors which predisposed your particular horse to the problem in the first place.
This varies in each case and the tendency of one horse to continue with this metabolic habit of rushing things through long after the initial cause has passed and another not to is a function of the difference in their individual nervous systems.
Diarrhea occurs when the intestine don't absorb electrolytes and water and it passes out of the body in loose or watery stools. If you know what caused it (change in feed, routine etc) you can monitor and treat yourself.
There are many reasons for it including;
- Sudden change of diet
- Anxiety or stress
- Too much rich, green grass (after rain or sun)
- Sand ingestion or sand colic
- Bacterial infection (Salmonella, Clostridia)
- Poisonous plants
- Internal parasites (worms)
- Antibiotics or worming treatments
- Age - older horses are more prone to loose stools
McDowells recommendations
Equigesta-Pre
Equigesta-Pre is an effective probiotic based on bentonite, brewer's yeast and slippery elm. It helps to maintain a healthy gut, which lessens the chances that they will suffer from diarrhea. Bentonite clay supports the intestinal system in the elimination of toxins. It has absorptive qualities and can draw out heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides, bacteria and pharmaceutical drugs. Brewers Yeast is rich in B vitamins and amino acids and is filled with prebiotics to aid with digestion.
Treatment with Equigesta-Pre is 2 x 50 gram scoops x 2 a day for 6 weeks. Then reduce to see at what level can hold the firm manure.
Perform-A-Calm
Perform-A-Calm is formulated with herbs that have traditionally been used to nourish and calm the nervous disposition of horses that seem to be overly anxious in their home or when introduced to new stimulus.
Chamomile flowers
Chamomile acts as an antispasmodic and is often used to treat colic, scours and other gastro intestinal disorders. Chamomile is also useful to the digestive system and can be made into a tea to dampen regular feed. Chamomile assists in repairing the nervous system (parasympathetic), sooth the inflammation and firm the stools.
Maritime Pine Bark
Maritime Pine Bark is an excellent additive to the feed for older animals. It is high in bioflavonoids which assists in the uptake of Vitamin C - important for connective tissue repair particularly collagen. Maritime pine also has anti-inflammatory effects adding to the overall soothing nature of the treatment protocol.
