So my horse has diarrhea

[kiwihill3000]

My gelding has the poops. Not pure liquid squirting out his butt or anything. But poops in the field are definitely soft. There’s gotta be some liquid following these poops though because his tail has giant, nasty poopy icicles in it. He’s part friesian- so… there’s a lot of poopsicles happening back there. Sorry for that extra imagery.

anyway, he’s out in a field with a run in 24/7 and he has a round bale. I think the tail end of the round bale may have gotten a bit icky/moldy because it’s been quite wet. The barn owner (I board) ran out of round bales and wasn’t able to get more due to a supply issue so he’s on square bales now which seem much more nutrient dense… much finer, more leaves etc. so that can’t help either…

what can I do to help the poor guy out? Can’t do too much about the hay situation… not really something I have any control over. But I feel bad for him! He’s acting normal, not super dehydrated per skin pinch test and gums (but may be a touch)…

[cloudyandcallie]

Ask your vet if Metronidazole is needed.

[AA_Hunter]

Or Maalox.

[LovieBird]

This seems to be a common theme with horses eating more hay in the winter and diarrhea. My vet gave us biosponge- it seems to be helping so far. I know others rave over it.

I’m also planning to put him on pre/probiotics.

[candyappy]

When you go from a ( noted) crappy round bale to a more nutrient rich ( probably second cutting) square bale- free choice-- not only is it a shock to the system but he is probably gorging somewhat.

I am not surprised his manure is softer. Can you limit his access to the squares and add some lesser quality first cutting from another source? Kind of mix the 2?

This is the reason feed changes are recommended to be gradual in any animal. I know you have no say in it, but you can try to make it easier if possible.

[tipzythegreat]

My vet had me give a week or two of probios and some ulcer guard. Cleared it up

[merrygoround]

If t’s leafy , is it alfalfa? If so, that may be the culprit