Help! Chronic Diarrhea

I'm at the end of my rope with no idea what else I can do!

My 2yr old gelding has had ongoing issues with loose poop. Sometimes it's worse, sometimes it's better. Lately, it's much much worse... to where his tail is always caked and his hind legs are covered in dried runny poo.

I've checked him for worms and he was all clear as of last month. I cut out all of the alfalfa in his diet because I'd heard it's too rich for some horses. I've been feeding him Probios powder, which doesn't seem like it's made much if any difference. He's currently eating grass hay, grass pasture, and getting a basic ration balancer... nothing much else.

I'm considering trying out this stuff... it seems like there's more to it than the Probios, and decent reviews: http://www.smartpakequine.com/ultrae...x?cm_vc=Search

Ideas? Input?

Have you spoken with your vet? Digestive tract issues are serious business.
Posted via Mobile Device

I've talked to my vet. That was the inspiration for the worm check and cutting out alfalfa. If it doesn't improve soon I'll be consulting him again, I was just hoping for any insight into something that I might be missing.

I probably should have mentioned this in the original post, but my gelding's weight is just fine; right where it should be. He doesn't seem listless or anything, he's still as curious and mischievous as most 2 yr olds are. He doesn't seem show any outward signs of discomfort. He's just... loose and runny.

Ok, alfalfa and worms would have been my first two thoughts but they've been covered. My next suspicion would be a poisonous plant. Do you buy your hay from a reputable feed supplier? If so, the plant (if it is that) is most likely in the pasture. Do you have a good identification guide to plants that are poisonous to horses?
Posted via Mobile Device

I went through this with mine and you're right, it's very frustrating! Here are some tips that eventually worked for me:
* during diarrhea, stop any sweet feed it just irritates the tummy
* lots of roughage
* a 7 day course of psyllium (my guy had lots of sand in his gut)
* a probiotic / digestive enzyme supplement works but it may take several months
* keep the poo off of the skin - it can burn. Dawn dishwashing soap works great. Rinse well then put vaseline on as a moisture barrier to protect the skin. Don't forget to clean in the crack of a muscular butt, the underside of the tail and the back of the heels. I also shampoo the tail, rinse thoroughly and then braid it to help keep it cleaner longer.
* don't let chronic diarrhea go too long, even on a younger horse, electrolyte imbalances can affect the muscles (the heart is a muscle) -especially during warm temps when their body is under additional stress just to keep cool.

Good luck and keep us posted!

I've had good luck with a product called Succeed. It's a bit pricey, but has made a big difference in my mare.

As luck would have it, my vet just so happened to be at the barn today seeing another boarder's horse when I went out to look after my boy. I talked to him about my concerns and the symptoms etc. He gave me some stuff called BioSponge, which he says should help out until we can maybe figure out what the root cause of the upset is.

Too much clover, or buttercups. Whats in your fields ? Lime and spray with Trimec. Not just 24D, which wont kill the clover.