ridecamp@endurance.net: Loose Stool Question

Loose Stool Question

Wendy Milner (wendy@nsmdserv.cnd.hp.com)
Thu, 1 Jun 95 14:05:28 MDT

I forwarded the question to Dr. Sarah Ralston.
Here's her response.

>
> The problem is that the mare has suffered from loose stools ever since the
> colic episode. Rectal palpation revealed nothing significant, as did blood
> chemistries and CBC. My veterinarian suggested that I should switch her
> onto Equine Senior (purina) and so I did.

How much of the Senior is she feeding? If it did not firm up the stools,
I'd suggest switching her back to the feed designed for endurance horses.
Chronic soft stools really don't hurt the horse, though she should make
sure the mare has free access to salt and water.
or one of the extruded feeds (Manna Pro has one called Manna Elite)

Also added a second brand of
> lactobacillus supplement.

I would suggest trying a yeast culture product instead: either
YeaSacc from Alltech or Biomate from Chr. Hansen Laboratories

> Mare has lots of energy, but still is a little *ribby*. To try to increase
> the fat in her diet a little, she is also getting about a cup of rice bran
> daily.

Rice bran really isn't very high fat, though it won't hurt.

> None of the changes I have made in her diet have made any difference
> in the consistency of her BM's.

See above comment on chronic loose stools. They are an indication that
her large intestine function is compromised, but not necssarily a painful
situation.

> So, the question is: Has anyone out there conquered a problem like this?
Several times, but each case is different! If the above suggestions don't
help, get back to me for other alternatives.

> The mare is being ridden and or ponied 2-3 times weekly and does great, but
> it just seems that if *I* had had her condition for 2 months, I wouldn't
> feel very good.

Again, she would not feel well only if she wasn't getting enough salt
and water (increased losses in her stool). If her coat is shiny and she
has lots of energy, I wouldn't worry too much. Look at it this way- at
least she is not likely to impact!!

> Sorry I took up so much of everyone's time and space; thanks again for
> listening!!
>
> Lynne Walters

Good luck, Lynne

Sarah Ralston, VMD, PhD
Ralston@aesop.rutgers.edu

--
Wendy


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