Diarrhea in older horse

[tblover]

I am looking for some info to give a friend on how to deal with on again off again diarrhea in a late 20's horse. He doesn't act sick just has this problem on occasion, I am told. I haven't seen the horse, but I know I would act sick if I had diarrhea.

Off course vet him and at least pull blood. Check his teeth and look to see if he is spitting out his hay.

I also suggested to start with worming him and then giving a probiotic. Also to make sure he is drinking enough water and give him electro. to encourage more.

Probably needs to be changed over to a senior feed he doesn't really need to chew as much.

My computer isn't letting me flip through all the horse care pages, sorry if there is already a good topic posted.

I don't know if they will take him to a vet, so I am a little frustrated by that.

thanks

[shekaberry]

Is he being fed alfalfa? Alfalfa can be too rich for some horses, but being an oldie maybe he needs it for weight? Winterlakesfarm is something of a genius when it comes to the elderly, I hope she can post on this for you!

[tblover]

I'm not sure what he is being fed. She called me last night and I was trying to give them some quick ideas. The horse is owned by a friend of hers that I don't know. So it is very 3rd person info I am getting.
I really think he at least needs a vet check, especially for his teeth. If they think he is closer to 30 yrs old I really would think his teeth might no longer work for hay.

Thanks for the heads up on the alfalfa.
Tammy

[tblover]

Well I suggested the owner of the old guy at least give him a good dose of wormer, he did and the squirts have subsided.

Thanks to all

[cathie]

Older horses with ulcers will get bouts of diarra i would get him a gut protector of some kind. I like ulcer guard!

[tblover]

Thank you I will pass that along

[karenvermillion]

(1) Deworm
(2) Probiotic once a day for seven days (This will replace the beneficial microbes in his gut)
(3) PREbiotic once a day for seven days (This will feed the microbes - I used Equerry's Meal)
(4) Put him on 1 pound orchard grass pellets, 1 pound Purina Equine Senior, and 1 pound Purina Amplify
(5) Recommend 50/50 grass/alfalfa mix hay
(6) Uncle's Sports Agenda Gut Protector - horses love it, will help with the ENTIRE digestive system - 1 gallon ought to be MORE than enough - should last 2 months or so. Horses love it!