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Why does my senior horse have loose stools2007-11-24 21:23:02

I have 2 horses, they are the only horses on or near my property. THey are seniors in their twenties. I just had their shots up to date including potomac horse fever, flu,rhino,westnile & tetanus. The mare has been having loose stools while my gelding has been having normal stools. I feed them 3 -4 quarts of Nutrena Senior Feed each once a day. Could this feed be too rich for her? What kind of feed or supplements should I be feeding her? Also, their joints and necks make little snapping or cracking noises, not all the time, but sometimes. Could this mean they need a joint supplement? What kind should I get? I was looking into the Senior Flex brand.

Answers:

Just as a precaution, I would have the vet listen to her for congestive heart failure.

That can cause diarrhea in seniors and there isn't anything you can do to remedy it. But that way you know what your dealing with.

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There are many reasons why the loose stools developed, but I would start with a vet visit and perhaps a fecal check. Reasons could range from vaccine reaction, feed change (type of hay), if she is in season, CHF as mentioned by mulereiner.

For the joint supplements, SeniorFlex is a good product. Just check the ingredients to make sure you are not doubling up on a vitamin or mineral that exists in the senior feed already.

I would also find out why the mare is having the diarrhea before adding anything new to her diet.

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is she dehydrated? keep her in a stall for a day and keep track of how much water she drinks. (a healthy horse without work will consume a minimum or 10-12 gallons per day, more if there is exercise or it's hot)

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The loose stools probably come from your horse having diarhea. The cracking sounds are probably because she is old and may have arthritis.

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Did the loose stools start after the vaccinations? (If so, it may be a reaction).

Have you just changed to Nutrena Senior? Or changed the amt you feed?

Are they on a regular de-worming schedule?

When I de-worm my horses, and when they get vaccinations or antibiotics, I give Probiotics for several days. I use Fastrack powder and I buy it from Big Dee's.

I would definitely consider probiotics for the mare.

It could also be too much grass. Has it been raining? Grazing on wet grass can cause loose stools too.