Displacement colics are a serious concern for horses, involving the abnormal positioning of the intestines within the hindgut. These conditions, including right dorsal displacement, left dorsal displacement, and large colon volvulus, can lead to blockages that disrupt the normal flow...
Anthelmintic (parasitic dewormer) resistance is one of the most pressing concerns in the world of equine health. In this phenomenon, internal parasites affecting horses are becoming resistant to the medications veterinarians use to treat parasitic infection. Without effective deworming medications,...
The horse's gastrointestinal system is evolved for processing forage and fiber. Domestic feeding and management strategies often challenge the horse's natural digestive process. Significant disruptions can lead to bloating - a condition where gas accumulates in the gut, causing abdominal...
Proximal Enteritis (also known as Anterior Enteritis) describes inflammation of the first two parts of the horse's small intestine. Proximal Enteritis (PE) is a serious concern for horse owners, as it can block passage of food and water through the...
Psyllium is a rich source of soluble fiber that can be incorporated into equine diets. Soluble fiber remains undigested by enzymes in the stomach (gastric juices), but passes into the hindgut where it may be partially digested by microbes. Psyllium...
Colic, defined as abdominal pain in horses, is a condition that ranges from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening situations. In foals, colic presents unique challenges and concerns, due to their physiology and development. Colic in foals can be challenging to...
Equine pinworms, or Oxyuris equi, are common parasites that inhabit the horse's colon. Female pinworms lay their eggs on the perianal skin (around the anus), which can cause intense itching and irritation for the horse. Pinworm infections are most common...
Horses are single stomach (monogastric) herbivores that evolved to graze on fiber-rich roughage. Their unique digestive system consists of a foregut and hindgut, each with different functions for breaking down feed and absorbing nutrients. The stomach and small intestines, which...
Enteroliths are calcifications or mineral masses that can form in the horse's intestines, sometimes resulting in impaction colic. These intestinal stones form when the horse consumes an indigestible object, which is not passed by the digestive system. Mineral deposits then...
Impaction colic in horses is a painful condition caused by an obstruction in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. The term colic describes abdominal pain or discomfort in horses. Cases of colic are generally...
Sand colic is a term for abdominal pain in horses caused by the ingestion of sand. Depending on the geographic region, five to thirty percent of all colic cases are caused by sand or sediment accumulation in the gut. Sand...
A large, round belly doesn't always mean your horse is overweight. Some horses have a hay belly that makes them appear pregnant, yet they may struggle to maintain enough body condition to cover their ribs. While multiple factors contribute to...
Ranitidine (Zantac) is a medication used to reduce stomach acidity temporarily. It is commonly used in humans and animals to treat peptic ulcers and heartburn. In horses, this drug is used to alleviate gastric ulcers. Ranitidine is an H2 blocker...
Gastric ulcers are lesions in the horse's stomach that can cause pain, recurrent colic, poor exercise tolerance, weight loss and behavioural changes in your horse. Ulcers in the squamous (upper) region of the stomach form when gastric acids come into...
A healthy equine gastrointestinal microbiome contains a diverse range of beneficial microbes that support digestion, immune function and nutrient synthesis. Because horses are hindgut fermenters, a healthy microbiome is essential for overall wellness. Dysbiosis is defined as a microbial population...
Leaky gut is a digestive issue is horses that occurs as a component of a broader gut health issue such as dysbiosis, inflammatory bowel disease, or gastric ulcers. It is said that 70% of the horse’s immune system resides in...
Diarrhea is a common problem in horses as it can be a result of many different causes. It is typically a sign of of disrupted function or motility of the hindgut, including dysbiosis or infection. Diarrhea is defined as the...
Dealing with a horse that has diarrhea requires careful attention to their feeding plan and to their daily management. In some cases, diarrhea is a temporary annoyance that resolves itself with minimal intervention. Chronic cases in which diarrhea persists for...
Diarrhea can affect horses of all ages, breeds and sizes, resulting in dehydration, weight loss, poor nutrient absorption or electrolyte imbalance. Diarrhea is described as the increased excretion of liquid or semi-solid feces. Cases of equine diarrhea can range in...
Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxic substances which are produced by mould and fungus in your horse’s hay. Mycotoxins can cause negative effects in horses including colic, gastrointestinal upset, weight loss, feed withdrawal, immune suppression, impaired performance or poor growth.
Internal parasites, also known colloquially as worms, are a common concern for many horse owners. Parasites are organisms that live on the horse’s skin or infiltrate the intestinal tract to gain nutrients. They can cause inflammation, immune problems, ulcers, and,...
Maintaining your horse's digestive health is integral to maintaining their overall health. Digestive issues such as colic, ulcers, and hindgut acidosis are some of the most commonly diagnosed health conditions in horses. Learn about research-backed digestive health supplements that can...
What’s the difference between squamous ulcers and glandular ulcers in horses? Different types of stomach ulcers in horses are commonly described as the general diagnosis of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS). However, new research suggests it is better to refer...
Nutrition and feeding play an integral role in the prevention of equine ulcers. Ulcer-prone horses can benefit greatly from a feeding program that supports gut health and supports the horse's natural defences against ulcers. Equine ulcers are painful sores or...
Right dorsal colitis (RDC) is a specific type of ulcerative disease in horses localized to the right, upper region of the large intestine. RDC is sometimes referred to as hindgut ulcers. Horses with RDC can show signs of weight loss,...
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are some of the most commonly used equine medications. They come in several forms, including tablets, powder, paste, or as an injectable. As their name implies, NSAIDs help to co
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