Fecal water & diarrhea in horses: Causes, treatment and differences

What is fecal water?

➡️ Video tip: What is watery stool? How can you help your horse with watery stools?
In our following video with Dr. Patricia Sitzenstock, an experienced agronomist, we explain the common digestive problems of watery stools and diarrhea. Dr. Sitzenstock explains the differences between watery stools and diarrhea, sheds light on the causes of these dysfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract and gives valuable tips on correct feed management.

In general, watery stools occur when free water is not sufficiently bound in the horse's intestines or when poorly ground feed particles are unable to bind the water. Normally, free water, which is present in every horse's intestine, is absorbed in the large intestine. If this process does not work completely, the horse may develop watery stools.

The characteristic features of watery feces are thin, watery feces that are often excreted together with normal feces. The consistency varies from clear water to yellowish-greenish mucus. In this state, the free water in the horse's intestines is not efficiently bound with the feed particles, resulting in watery feces.

Causes of watery stools in horses

Watery stools can be triggered by various causes. The most common include

Fecal water due to feeding

The horse's diet plays a decisive role:

• Feeding not in line with requirements: An unsuitable feed composition can cause digestive disorders.
• Roughage deficiency: High-quality roughage such as hay or grass is essential for digestion.
• Eating breaks: Excessively long eating breaks can have a negative effect on digestion.
• Fermented feed: Fermented feed can lead to watery stools.
• Change of food: Sudden changes in the amount or type of food can disrupt the digestive process.
• Food intolerances: Allergic reactions to certain foods are possible.
• Lack of nutrients: A lack of essential nutrients can also cause watery stools.
• Excess nutrients: An excess of certain nutrients, such as starch and sugar, can also lead to digestive problems.

Fecal water due to posture

The conditions under which a horse is kept can influence watery stools:

• Unfavorable housing conditions: These can lead to digestive problems.
• Condition of paddock and pasture: Overgrazed areas or poor hygiene can cause watery manure.
• Stress factors: Stress, whether from training or social conflicts, can have a strong influence on digestion.
• Lack of exercise: Insufficient exercise can have a negative effect on digestion.
• Temperature and weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, can affect the horse's appetite and drinking behavior, which in turn can have a negative effect on digestion

Fecal water due to health problems

There are a number of health problems that can cause watery stools in horses:

• Bad teeth: Difficulty chewing can lead to digestive problems.
• Parasites: A massive worm infestation can impair the horse's digestive function.
• Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can lead to watery stools.
• Gastrointestinal diseases: Diseases such as colic or stomach ulcers can also cause watery stools.
• Taking medication: Certain medications, especially antibiotics, can cause watery stools as a side effect.
• Poisoning: The consumption of poisonous plants or contaminated feed can also lead to watery stools.

‍Howdoes watery stool affect the horse?

How do you diagnose watery stools in horses?

The diagnosis of watery stools in horses requires a thorough examination in close cooperation with a veterinarian.

As soon as you suspect watery stools, you should consult a vet as soon as possible. The vet will take a comprehensive medical history, gathering information about your horse's feeding habits, housing conditions, medical history and possible stress factors.

As a rule, a faecal sample is taken to analyze the condition of the faeces in more detail. Depending on the results of the medical history and the fecal examination, additional tests, such as blood tests, ultrasound or endoscopy, may be necessary to fully assess the health of the digestive tract. Based on the examination results, the vet can make a precise diagnosis and recommend suitable treatment options.

What is the best remedy for watery stools in horses?

In order to effectively treat watery stools in horses, it is crucial to identify and treat the underlying causes. The first step is to consult a veterinarian who will perform a thorough examination to determine the exact cause of the watery stool. Based on this diagnosis, the vet can recommend specific measures, such as administering medication or adjusting the diet.

In many cases, home remedies can also be helpful to support digestion and improve the consistency of the stool. These include brewer's yeast, which supports the intestinal flora, and linseed, which binds excess water in the intestines and stabilizes the faeces. In addition, natural herbs can soothe the gastrointestinal tract and promote digestion. Supplementing with high-quality herbs is particularly beneficial, as many horse pastures often have a low content of natural herbs.

➡️ Video tip: You should know these herbs for stool water!

In this video, you'll learn all about the best herbs and home remedies to help your horse with watery stools. Watery stools are a common problem that can affect your horse's digestion, and the right support is crucial for your animal's health. We'll show you what natural solutions are available to stabilize the intestinal flora and improve the consistency of the manure. Let's find out together how you can support your horse with effective herbs and proven home remedies!

It is also important to adjust the feed. Make sure that your horse has sufficient high-quality roughage, such as good hay, available. This is crucial to stimulate the gut and promote healthy digestion. A balanced mineral feed ensures that your horse gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs.

You should also minimize stress factors that can impair digestion. Suitable housing conditions, regular exercise and social interaction are very important here.

The hygiene and care of the horse also play a decisive role. Make sure to clean the affected areas, such as the anus and hind legs, regularly to avoid skin inflammation (dermatitis) caused by the run-off manure. Use lukewarm water and a mild shampoo if necessary.

The treatment of watery stools therefore requires a holistic approach that includes identifying the causes as well as applying suitable home remedies and changes in feeding. If you take all these measures into account and have your horse examined regularly by a vet, you can treat watery stools effectively and do your horse's health a great service.

Prevent watery stools

There are numerous measures that you should take into account to effectively prevent watery stools in horses. Feeding and keeping horses in a species-appropriate manner is the best protection against the development of watery stools. Here are some important points to bear in mind:

• High-quality roughage: Make sure that your horse has access to sufficient high-quality roughage such as good hay or grass. This supports digestion and ensures a stable intestinal flora.
• Correctly dosed concentrated feed: Only give your horse the required amount of concentrated feed to avoid oversupply or undersupply. The feed should be given according to need.
• Infrequent feed changes: Avoid frequent feed changes as this can put a strain on your horse's digestive tract.
• Optimal intake of vitamins and minerals: Make sure that your horse is optimally supplied with vitamins and minerals to prevent deficiencies.
• Optimal housing conditions: Make sure that the husbandry conditions in the pasture and paddock are optimal. Take into account the size of the pasture, the possibility of alternating pastures, the avoidance of poisonous plants and the cleanliness of the feeding areas.
• Fresh drinking water: Always make sure you have access to fresh, clean drinking water to avoid dehydration.
• Plenty of exercise: Make sure your horse has enough opportunities to move. Regular exercise is important for digestion and general well-being.
• Low stress: Minimizing stress factors through appropriate housing conditions and regular social interactions is crucial for your horse's health.
• Regular veterinary examinations: Have your horse checked regularly by a vet to detect and treat possible parasites or dental problems at an early stage.
• Supporting the detoxification organs: Herbs can help to support the detoxification organs and promote your horse's general health.

Watery stools vs. diarrhea: What's the difference?

➡️ Video tip: Distinguishing diarrhea from watery stool. You need to watch out for this!

Watery stools and diarrhea are two common digestive problems in horses that are often confused. Although both symptoms indicate a disorder in the gastrointestinal tract, there are significant differences in their definition, appearance and underlying causes.

Fecal Water

Watery feces are thinner than normal feces and can often occur in combination with solid feces. It is usually clear to yellowish-greenish in color and has an unpleasant odor, although not as strong as the odor of diarrhea. In contrast to diarrhea, watery stool does not occur as frequently during the day and can be due to various causes, including

• Food intolerances: Certain foods can impair digestion.
• Disorders of the intestinal flora: An imbalanced intestinal flora can disrupt the processing of food.
• Stress: Mental stress can have a negative effect on digestion.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea, on the other hand, is characterized by a consistently liquid consistency of the feces, which is often excreted without any solid components. The diarrhea usually has a yellowish to dark brown color and a strong, unpleasant odor. These symptoms often occur several times a day and can be caused by various factors:

• Infections: Viral or bacterial infections can lead to inflammation in the intestines and cause diarrhea.
• Nutritional errors: Sudden changes in feed or poor quality feed can disrupt the digestive process.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases: Diseases such as colitis or inflammation of the stomach lining can also lead to diarrhea.

The main difference between watery stools and diarrhea lies in the consistency and type of liquid that is excreted. While watery stool is a watery liquid that often occurs together with solid feces, diarrhea is characterized by a continuous liquid consistency and occurs more frequently. Both conditions require careful observation and, if necessary, consultation with a veterinarian to clarify the underlying causes and initiate appropriate treatment measures.

Causes of diarrhea

Diarrhea in horses can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common causes include

Effects of diarrhea on the horse

Diarrhea in horses can have significant negative effects on the health and well-being of the animal. First and foremost, it leads to an excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes, which can quickly lead to dehydration. This dehydration can be life-threatening and manifests itself in symptoms such as lethargic behavior, sunken eyes and dry mucous membranes.

In addition, the horse loses important electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and chloride. An imbalance of these electrolytes can cause serious health problems, including muscle twitching, cramps and heart problems. Diarrhea also prevents the horse from absorbing important nutrients, resulting in a lack of energy. This deficiency manifests itself in reduced energy levels and reduced performance.

Undesirable weight loss can also occur as the horse cannot absorb enough nutrients and calories from the food. The absorption of vitamins and minerals can be impaired, which can lead to deficiency symptoms and affect the horse's general health.

Finally, dehydration and a lack of nutrients weaken the horse's immune system, making it more susceptible to infections and diseases.

Stopping diarrhea in horses

To treat diarrhea effectively, it is crucial to identify the cause and take targeted action. The first step is to consult a veterinarian, as this is crucial for the correct diagnosis.

Feeding high-quality hay can soothe the gastrointestinal tract and help to normalize the consistency of faeces. Other roughage such as straw or specially formulated dietary roughage can also be helpful.

In addition, supplementary feed with probiotic cultures or yeasts can help to restore the intestinal flora. Herbs such as aniseed, camomile and lemon balm also have a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

If you notice that your horse is suffering from diarrhea, you should act immediately. Initially, only feed hay and water and avoid carrots, apples and too much fresh grass. Inform a vet if the diarrhea occurs suddenly or does not improve after a few days.

There are positive experiences with homeopathic remedies, but these should be individually tailored to the horse in question. It is therefore advisable to seek advice from a vet or veterinary practitioner.

Prevention of diarrhea

In order to prevent diarrhea or fecal water from occurring in our horses in the first place, particularly good management is necessary. This is what we can do to prevent diarrhea and fecal water:

• Regularly check the worm status of the horse
• A regular dental checkup
• Hay in many daily rations is sufficient to avoid long feeding breaks
• Avoid stress 
• If necessary, let feed changes take place exclusively slowly
• Provide sufficient clean drinking water, which should not be ice cold
• Provide sufficient exercise for the horse
• Ensure a balanced diet
• Changes in the horse's daily routine should not happen every day

Watery stools and diarrhea in horses: In summary

Watery stools and diarrhea are common digestive problems that can have a serious impact on your horse's health and well-being. Watery droppings are typically thin and can occur in combination with normal droppings, while diarrhea is characterized by a consistently liquid consistency. Both conditions can be due to a variety of causes, including feeding errors, stress and health problems such as parasites or gastrointestinal disease.

Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial. It is important to consult a veterinarian at the first sign of watery stools or diarrhea. By identifying the underlying causes and applying appropriate measures, such as adjusting feeding and minimizing stress factors, you can help your horse recover.

Prevention is also of crucial importance. Pay attention to high-quality roughage, needs-based feeding, regular veterinary examinations and maintaining optimal husbandry conditions. With these measures, you can not only prevent watery stools and diarrhea, but also support your horse's general health.

Watery stools and diarrhea: The most important questions and answers

What binds fecal water in horses?

‍Faecescan be bound by feeding psyllium husks, brewer's yeast and special herbs, which help to improve the consistency of the faeces.

What to do if your horse has diarrhea and watery stool?

‍Itis important to identify the causes and take appropriate measures, such as a veterinary examination and adjustment of the feed.

How bad is watery stool in horses?

‍Poowater can lead to serious health problems, especially if it causes dehydration and nutrient deficiencies.

How long does diarrhea last in horses?

‍Theduration of diarrhea can vary and depends on the cause. If diarrhea persists, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.

What does diarrhea look like in horses?

‍Diarrhoeahas a continuous liquid consistency, often without solid parts, and can have a yellowish to dark brown color.

Which globules help with diarrhea in horses?

‍Globulescan be a complementary treatment option, but they should be individually tailored to the horse. A consultation with a vet or veterinary practitioner is advisable.

What can I give my horse for diarrhea?

‍Feedingshould be limited to high-quality hay and fresh water. Adjusting the feed can help to stabilize digestion.

What helps horses with diarrhea?

‍Treatmentshould be aimed at identifying the cause. In addition, probiotics and home remedies such as herbs can be used to support the intestinal flora.

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