One horse at a private facility in Lewis County, Washington, has tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). Reporting for this case was delayed; the horse was reportedly quarantined and received veterinary care.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.EHV 101Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM.In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected.In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months) but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1.Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and might show signs of a respiratory infection. A few days later, neurologic signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the fore- and hind limbs, urine retention and dribbling, loss of tail tone, and recumbency (inability to rise) develop.Herpesvirus is easily spread by nose-to-nose or close contact with an infectious horse; sharing contaminated equipment including bits, buckets, and towels; or clothing, hands, or equipment of people who have recently had contact with an infectious horse.Routine biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should be in place at all times to help prevent disease spread.Current EHV-1 vaccines might reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurologic form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize viral spread, and the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

U.S. Bank is expanding its healthcare business banking offerings with a new startup loan product for dentists and veterinarians, giving clinicians a new option to build independent practices and serve patients in their communities.The bank has previously offered loans for the acquisition of existing practices or for startup practices launched by existing owners. The new product extends that support to dentists and veterinarians launching first-time practices, broadening the choices available to healthcare professionals at a critical stage of their careers.We are excited to bring this new opportunity to dentists and veterinarians who want to pursue their dream of building and operating their own practices, said Joe Persichetti, head of healthcare business banking at U.S. Bank. Our bankers live and work in the same communities as the dentists and veterinarians they serve, and they are there for them every step of the way as they build and grow their practices.The new loan product, which launched early this year, will provide conventional lending opportunities to dental and veterinarian healthcare startups that meet industry experience, production capability, and credit parameters.The banklaunched its healthcare business banking groupin 2023, offering a holistic suite of banking, payments and wealth management solutions to dental, veterinary and medical practices with up to $50 million in annual revenue. The bank has hired more than 100 bankers and staff members who provide personalized service in all 50 states.Our goal is to be the destination for doctors, Persichetti said. We want to make banking easy for them so they can focus on whats most important their patients.U.S. Bank has served the healthcare industry for most of its more than 160-year history. The bank provides a broad range of banking and payment services to healthcare organizations, including hospital systems, insurers, medical equipment manufacturers and medical, dental, and veterinary practices. In 2024, U.S. Bankacquired Salucro Healthcare Solutions LLC,which developed the technology powering the banks MedEpay platform for healthcare payments.Disclosure: Credit products offered by U.S. Bank National Association and are subject to normal credit approval and program guidelines. Some restrictions and fees may apply.

Digestive health affects comfort, behavior, nutrient utilization, immune function, and athletic performance. | iStockA 12-year-old Warmblood gelding arrives at a weekend dressage competition after a six-hour trailer ride. By the second day, his appetite is inconsistent, his manure is loose, and he becomes noticeably reactive under saddle. His veterinarian finds no acute illness but suspects the horses digestive system is struggling to adapt to the combined effects of travel, stress, disrupted forage intake, and competition management.Scenarios like this are familiar to equine veterinarians and nutritionists. Digestive health influences far more than manure quality alone; it affects comfort, behavior, nutrient utilization, immune function, and athletic performance. Researchers suggest that even subtle disruptions within the gastrointestinal tract can influence a horses willingness to work, body condition, and overall well-being.As a result, many horse owners turn to gut supplements for additional support. However, the wide range of products available from probiotics to gastric buffers to hindgut support formulas can make it difficult to determine which ingredients are truly beneficial and which supplements are most appropriate for a horses needs.The takeaway for horse owners is the best gut supplement depends on which part of the digestive system needs support. Some horses benefit from comprehensive whole-gut support, while others might need more targeted assistance for microbial balance, gastric comfort, or intestinal motility.Why Digestive Health Matters in HorsesThe equine digestive tract is uniquely adapted for near-continuous forage consumption. Unlike humans, horses produce stomach acid continuously, whether they are eating or not. Research indicates that regular forage intake helps buffer gastric acidity through saliva production while simultaneously supporting healthy hindgut fermentation.Veterinarians commonly observe digestive disruption in horses exposed to:Frequent travelCompetition schedulesHigh-starch feeding programsStall confinementInconsistent turnoutSudden feed changesRestricted forage accessWhen feeding management does not align with the horses natural grazing physiology, it could affect both gastric and hindgut health.In the stomach, periods without forage can increase the sensitive squamous (upper one-third) regions acid exposure, increasing the likelihood of gastric irritation. In the hindgut, excessive starch reaching the cecum and colon can alter microbial populations, reduce pH, and impair normal fermentation patterns.Evidence suggests that maintaining consistent access to forage remains the single most important factor in supporting digestive health. Gut supplements are most effective when used alongside a balanced feeding program rather than as a replacement for sound management practices.Common Causes of Digestive ImbalanceGastric UlcersEquine gastric ulcer syndrome remains one of the most frequently diagnosed digestive disorders in performance horses. Veterinarians report particularly high prevalence rates among racehorses, endurance horses, and upper-level sport horses.Research suggests that several management factors increase ulcer risk, including:Intermittent feeding schedulesLimited pasture turnoutHigh-concentrate dietsIntense exerciseRestricted forage intakeHorses experiencing gastric discomfort might show subtle signs long before overt colic develops, including girthiness, irritability, reduced appetite, or changes in performance.For horses that need broad stomach and hindgut support, veterinarians often recommend comprehensive digestive formulas designed to support the stomachs protective barrier while also maintaining hindgut microbial stability.One example is Mad Barns Visceral+, which contains phospholipids, probiotics, yeast cultures, amino acids, and botanical ingredients formulated to support gastric barrier integrity and whole-gut function.Stress and TravelResearchers increasingly demonstrate the close relationship between stress and gastrointestinal function in horses. Besides those factors listed above, environmental changes and altered routines might influence gut motility and microbial balance.During travel, horses frequently consume less forage and water. Reduced movement during transport can further slow gut motility, increasing the likelihood of digestive disruption.Veterinarians recommend minimizing long periods without forage during travel and maintaining as much dietary consistency as possible. In horses prone to stress-related digestive changes, nutritional support aimed at maintaining both gastric and hindgut stability could be beneficial.Products designed for whole-gut support, such as Visceral+, are commonly used during travel and competition periods because they address both stomach comfort and hindgut microbial balance simultaneously.Dysbiosis and Hindgut InstabilityThe horses hindgut contains a complex microbial ecosystem responsible for fermenting fiber into volatile fatty acidsthe horses primary energy source.Researchers indicate that sudden feed changes, high-starch diets, stress, medications, or inconsistent forage quality can disrupt this microbial population, a condition often referred to as dysbiosis.Horses with hindgut dysbiosis might exhibit:Loose manureFecal water syndromeGas productionReduced feed efficiencyWeight lossHay bellyMild recurrent colic signsFor horses primarily needing hindgut support, equine nutritionists often recommend formulations containing probiotics, prebiotics, yeast cultures, and digestive enzymes.Mad Barns Optimum Digestive Health is formulated specifically for hindgut support, providing probiotics, yeast, digestive enzymes, immune nucleotides, and prebiotic compounds designed to help maintain microbial balance and support fiber fermentation.Signs Your Horse May Benefit From Digestive SupportDigestive imbalance does not always present as obvious colic or severe illness. Again, in many horses, the earliest indicators are subtle behavioral or performance changes.Veterinarians commonly associate digestive discomfort with:Girth sensitivityReduced willingness to workChanges in attitudeSelective appetitePoor body conditionDull hair coatLoose manureMild intermittent abdominal discomfortTeeth grindingAltered drinking habitsBecause these signs overlap with many other conditions, veterinary evaluation remains important whenever symptoms persist or worsen.The takeaway for horse owners is that digestive support should be individualized. A horse showing signs of gastric sensitivity might benefit from a different nutritional strategy than a horse struggling primarily with hindgut instability.What to Look for in a Gut SupplementNot all digestive supplements support the same portion of the gastrointestinal tract.Some products focus primarily on buffering stomach acidity, while others aim to support hindgut fermentation and microbial populations. Researchers suggest that comprehensive digestive support often requires addressing multiple regions of the digestive system simultaneously.Veterinarians and nutritionists generally evaluate gut supplements based on:Gastric support capabilitiesHindgut microbial supportFiber fermentation supportSuitability during stress or travelLong-term practicalityIngredient stability and consistencyFor horses exposed to multiple digestive stressors, a comprehensive formula may reduce the need for separate stomach and hindgut products.Best Overall Gut Supplement: Visceral+For many horses, the most effective digestive support strategy involves supporting both the stomach and hindgut together rather than focusing on only one region.Mad Barns Visceral+ was formulated to provide comprehensive support across the entire digestive tract. In addition to the components previously listed, ingredients such as lecithin can help support the stomachs natural protective lining, researchers say, particularly in horses exposed to stress, travel, stall confinement, or inconsistent forage intake.The probiotics and prebiotics included support hindgut fermentation and manure quality, while amino acids such as glutamine may help nourish rapidly renewing intestinal cells.Many veterinarians favor whole-gut approaches for performance horses because digestive stressors rarely affect only one region of the gastrointestinal tract.Best Hindgut Supplement: Optimum Digestive HealthSome horses require more targeted hindgut support, particularly those experiencing chronic loose manure, poor feed efficiency, or difficulty maintaining body condition.Optimum Digestive Health was developed specifically to support hindgut microbial balance and fiber fermentation.Researchers indicate that supporting fiber-digesting microbes might improve nutrient utilization and manure consistency while helping maintain a healthier fermentation profile.Veterinarians often recommend targeted hindgut support during:Feed transitionsHay changesp useCompetition schedulesStressful management changesSenior horses and hard keepers might also benefit from hindgut-focused support when digestive efficiency declines with age.Best Daily Probiotic: Optimum ProbioticFor otherwise healthy horses needing basic microbial maintenance, a standalone probiotic could provide sufficient support.Mad Barns Optimum Probiotic supplies 20 billion CFUs from a five-strain probiotic blend formulated to support hindgut microbial balance during routine management changes, travel, or mild dietary transitions.Researchers suggest probiotic supplementation can help support microbial stability following stress, transportation, or antibiotic administration.Because Optimum Probiotic is highly concentrated and easy to feed, it offers a practical option for owners of horses needing simple daily digestive maintenance rather than comprehensive whole-gut support.Psyllium for Situational Fiber SupportPsyllium husk has a different role than probiotic and gastric support supplements. Derived from Plantago ovata, psyllium contains gel-forming soluble fiber that absorbs water within the digestive tract.Veterinarians frequently recommend psyllium in sandy environments where horses might accidentally ingest sand. Researchers suggest psyllium can help support normal intestinal motility and manure consistency in horses exposed to sandy soils or dry lots.Unlike comprehensive gut supplements, psyllium does not provide probiotics, digestive enzymes, or gastric support. Instead, its primary function is supporting motility and fiber passage under specific management conditions.Psyllium supplementation should be considered one component of a broader management program that includes appropriate forage placement, hydration, turnout, and veterinary oversight when needed.The Takeaway for Horse OwnersDigestive health in horses depends first and foremost on consistent management practices, including continuous forage access, proper hydration, balanced nutrition, and appropriate turnout.Researchers consistently indicate that feeding management remains the foundation of gastrointestinal health, while supplements serve as supportive tools rather than replacements for proper care.For horses encountering multiple digestive stressors, comprehensive support can offer the greatest benefit. Products such as Visceral+ provide both gastric and hindgut support in a single formula, making them particularly useful for performance horses, frequent travelers, and horses under management stress.For horses that need more targeted hindgut support, Optimum Digestive Health might be more appropriate, while Optimum Probiotic offers a straightforward daily probiotic option for routine microbial maintenance.Ultimately, the best gut supplement is the one that aligns with the horses individual digestive needs while complementing a forage-first feeding program and sound overall management.

On May 21, a yearling Miniature Horse gelding in Sauk County, Wisconsin, tested positive for strangles and equine influenza. The horse came from a local horse dealer that rescues horses from kill pens. He presented with respiratory noise, dried nasal discharge, fever, weight loss, and lethargy. The horse is quarantined, and three additional horses have been exposed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.About Equine InfluenzaEquine influenzais a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus that causes it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed via horse-to-horse contact; aerosol transmission from coughing and sneezing; and contact with humans contaminated hands, shoes, or clothes or contaminated tack, buckets, or other equipment.Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106F); a dry, hacking cough; depression; weakness; anorexia; serous (watery) nasal discharge; and slightly enlarged lymph nodes. Consider monitoring your horses health at shows by taking his temperature daily, which can help you pick up on signs of infection early and take appropriate measures to reduce disease spread.Vaccinationis an important and inexpensive way to protect your horse. US Equestrian requires proof that horses have had an equine influenza vaccination within the six months prior to attending organization-sanctioned competitions or events. Your veterinarian can help you determine what other vaccines your horse might benefit from.In addition to vaccinating, following strictbiosecurity protocolscan help reduce your horses chance of infection and disease. Such measures include quarantining new equine arrivals at barns, disinfecting buckets and equipment, and preventing nose-to-nose contact between horses.

According to the State Department of Agriculture, two horses in Oregon have tested positive for strangles, including one horse in Clackamas County (where two additional horses have been exposed) and one horse in Lane County. The sick horses have been placed under quarantine.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

Two horses at a private facility in McIntosh County, North Dakota, have tested positive for equine influenza, according to the state veterinarian. Additionally, 70 horses have been exposed. The affected horses are quarantined.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Equine InfluenzaEquine influenzais a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus that causes it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed via horse-to-horse contact; aerosol transmission from coughing and sneezing; and contact with humans contaminated hands, shoes, or clothes or contaminated tack, buckets, or other equipment.Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106F); a dry, hacking cough; depression; weakness; anorexia; serous (watery) nasal discharge; and slightly enlarged lymph nodes. Consider monitoring your horses health at shows by taking his temperature daily, which can help you pick up on signs of infection early and take appropriate measures to reduce disease spread.Vaccinationis an important and inexpensive way to protect your horse. US Equestrian requires proof that horses have had an equine influenza vaccination within the six months prior to attending organization-sanctioned competitions or events. Your veterinarian can help you determine what other vaccines your horse might benefit from.In addition to vaccinating, following strictbiosecurity protocolscan help reduce your horses chance of infection and disease. Such measures include quarantining new equine arrivals at barns, disinfecting buckets and equipment, and preventing nose-to-nose contact between horses.

On May 1, a 16-year-old gelding at a boarding facility in Racine County, Wisconsin, tested positive for strangles. The gelding and another horse had come from a Wisconsin dealer that sells rescue horses. Both horses developed clinical signs of strangles, including mucopurulent nasal discharge and lethargy, in late April; however, only the gelding has been tested for the disease.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

Planning aheadfor storms can protect you and your horses. | ThinkstockLong before the sheets of fire and bursts of horrid thunder appear on the horizon, the savvy horse owner and farm manager can do much to protect lives and property. Damage wrought to the horse farm by disasters range from mild inconvenience to devastation. They may be slow and insidious (droughts, excessive rain); they may come with some advance warning (hurricanes, floods); or they may arise suddenly and move terrifyingly fast (wildfires, tornadoes). Everyone who owns or manages horses is aware of the need to prepare, but some of us maybenefitfrom a seasonal reminder, andmaybe afresh approach, to prepare for what may come.No single article canpossibly addressevery scenario for everysizefarm and location, so this piece will focus on general principles. It is up to the reader toidentifythe greatest risks to their horses and businesses and prepare accordingly, startingtoday.InfrastructureBasic changes in infrastructure can radically affect the susceptibility of a facility to a disaster. These takesignificant timeand investment, but evensmall changesimplemented over months to years are worthwhile. A few examples include:Fire amelioration:Maintainfire breaks, use fire-resistant materials in construction, clear brush andmaintainaccess to water sources for fire fighters.Flooding:Identifyand prepare high ground where animals can be temporarily enclosed and fed, improve drainage and divert water away from critical sites.Storms: Reinforce barns and shelters to be morewind-resistant, have a safe place for workers to shelter, remove trees that may damage structures and install andmaintainback-up power sources.Drought, excessiverainfallor other potential disruptions in availability of feed and/or water: Construction of adequate feed storage for buying in bulk when feed is available andidentifyalternative water sources (digging wells, trucked-in water, water storage).TrainingDo you or your staff know safe equine rescue techniques and how to care for traumatic injuries? These skills need to be developed well ahead of any need. For large operations in particular, running a mock disaster is highly illuminating of the holes in your disaster plan, which should include details like which responsibilities are assigned to specific people (e.g., who is evacuating horses from Barn A; who is clearing roads; and who is delivering feed/water, etc.), and where the resources are coming from (e.g., feed, trucks, fuel, etc.). As a bonus, mock drills help build trust and communication within the farm team.RELATED CONTENT: Natural DisasterAre You and Your Horse Ready for Emergency Evacuation?Supply chainAs alluded to above, disruptions in the availability of essentials to the horse farm are common sequels to disasters, particularly if the event affects an entire region.Identifyingreliable sources of feed, bedding, medication, fencing, etc. in and outside the immediate region before a crisis is one less thing to manageinthe moment. Create a current list of suppliers with redundancies built in and keep it up to date.InsuranceWhen the premium payment comes due, review the policy with an agent to ensure nothing has inadvertently (or advertently) been dropped, and that changes in the farm (increased or decreased size or value, for example) are reflected in the coverage.RelationshipsByfarthe mostimportant componentof disaster preparedness isestablishingrelationships with the people who will help your horses and your farm survive, and to whom you can in turn provide help. For example:Neighbors: Particularly for small farms or backyard horse owners who may not have access to trailers, heavy equipment or plain old human-power, it is critical to develop a local network of people who you can call (or text) at a moments notice(maybe host a Derby party or a trail ride.)Local emergency responders: Invite the local fire department to familiarize themselves with your layout and operation andsolicittheir input on how to improve.Suppliers:Youvealreadyidentifiedyour suppliers and potential back-ups, but occasionally alsoutilizingreliable purveyors of feed and equipment in and outside of your immediate region will improve the odds your needs will be a higher priority.Veterinarian: This shouldgo without saying, butdontwait until a disaster natural, medical or freak-accident to have a working relationship with a veterinarian and their team. Incidence of diseases that may increase following disasters can be prevented with routine vaccinations Botulinum,Tetanusand mosquito-borne viruses (West Nile, Eastern Encephalitis, etc.) Evacuation and the potential for comingling with horses from other farms pose many challenges to biosecurity, so keeping horses up to date on communicable disease vaccinations (e.g., EHV-1, Equine influenza) and having a current Coggins/EIA test are alsowarranted.Putyour plan into writing. No one will hold you to it, but the act of committing the time and effort of documenting your strategy and resources will go a long way toward protecting your horses, your farm and the people who work there. Disaster planning resources for horse owners and farm managers:American Veterinary Medical AssociationAmerican Association of Equine Practitioners Farm BureauAgBusinessEmergency Preparedness ToolFarm Emergency Preparedness TemplatesTips for conducting a disaster drillThis is an excerpt from Equine Disease Quarterly, Vol. 35, Issue 2, funded by underwriters at Lloyds, London, brokers, and their Kentucky agents. It was written byLynne M. Cassone, DVM, Dipl. ACVP,at the University of Kentuckys Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, in Lexington.

Chronic diarrhea can lead to a decline in body condition, health, and welfare. | Nancy LovingChronic diarrhea in horses can be a frustrating, elusive challenge for owners and veterinarians alike. Typically characterized by the continuous or intermittent passage of soft, watery feces, diarrhea can be linked to underlying colonic abnormalities that lead to intermittent colic (abdominal pain) and an overall decline in body condition, health, and welfare.Amy Stewart, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM-LA, assistant teaching professor at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, in Raleigh, reviewed the most up-to-date guidelines for investigating equine diarrhea cases at the 2026 Veterinary Meeting and Expo, held Jan. 17-21, in Orlando, Florida.Chronic Diarrhea in Horses: What It Is, and What It IsntStewart established that clinical signs of diarrhea in horses vary widely, from a feces-stained, dirty tail to intermittent colic, sudden weight loss, or periods of reduced appetite. Evaluating severity can be difficult, as the equine colons efficient water resorption can mask ongoing disease, she said. I recommend investigating all possible causes rather than assuming a benign fecal water syndrome (FWS), particularly if there are additional signs of ill health.Fecal Water Syndrome and The Role of the MicrobiomeFecal water syndrome affects apparently healthy horses that exhibit intermittent leakage of water before, sometimes during, and/or after passing otherwise normal feces, Stewart explained.Researchers have highlighted the complexity of the equine gut microbiome; both disease and medication can disrupt microbial populations therein, potentially leading to persistent FWS. However, they do not yet know a definitive cause. Additional factors associated with FWS might include stress, dietary imbalance, or types of fiber in the diet. To diagnose fecal water syndrome, Stewart said veterinarians must first exclude underlying causes of true diarrhea.Causes of Diarrhea in HorsesDiarrhea in horses can be infectious or noninfectious. Common infectious causes include internal parasitesmost commonly cyathostomes (small strongyles)and bacteria such as Salmonella and Clostridium difficile.Diagnosing parasitism can be especially challenging when parasites encyst within the colon wall; fecal egg counts (FEC) may not reflect true parasite load, Stewart said. And while advanced tests, including serum ELISA for strongyles, show promise, they are not yet standard in the U.S.She added that bacterial causes, particularly in chronic Salmonella carriers, can also be difficult to pinpoint due to intermittent and low-level shedding. Diagnosis often requires repeated or pooled fecal samples and, occasionally, culture of a rectal biopsy, she said. Treatment is complicated as antibiotics can prolong shedding. Clostridium-associated diarrhea is most often recognized after antibiotics disrupt normal flora, and diagnosis requires toxin identification.Noninfectious causes of diarrhea include sand ingestion and various inflammatory or infiltrative bowel diseases, including lymphocytic plasmacytic enteritis/colitis (a rare infiltrative intestinal disease) or neoplasia (abnormal tissue growth) such as lymphoma.Veterinarians and researchers recognize long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) administration as a cause of right dorsal colitis, commonly manifesting as low blood protein with few external signs. Stewart noted that while foals might experience diarrhea caused by issues in the small intestine, chronic disease of the large intestine is the most common culprit in adults.Current Diagnostic Options and LimitationsWith idiopathic diarrhea cases Stewart follows a progressive diagnostic strategy. She starts with taking a comprehensive history, conducting a thorough physical examination, and running laboratory tests that include blood panels, FEC, and Salmonella testing.If initial assessments are inconclusive, her next steps include an abdominal ultrasound, radiographs, abdominocentesis (collection of peritoneal fluid), and rectal mucosal biopsies. The latter is valuable for differentiating inflammatory from neoplastic conditions, while imaging assesses for conditions such as sand accumulation via radiographs or colonic wall thickening via ultrasound, she said.Managing Horses with Chronic DiarrheaSuccessfully managing chronic diarrhea in horses depends on identifying and addressing the underlying cause. Stewart emphasized the importance of dietary management and carefully reviewing all feed and supplements for potential allergens that could irritate the gut.For confirmed moderate-to-severe infiltrative bowel diseases, whether inflammatory or neoplastic, veterinarians might recommend immunosuppressive therapies such as steroids. Cases linked to sand ingestion require effective psyllium regimens, while infectious cases call for strict biosecurity and, occasionally, antimicrobial therapy.Take-Home MessageIn all cases of diarrhea in horses, Stewart stressed the importance of ruling out treatable infectious or noninfectious causes of diarrhea before diagnosing a particular patient with the less serious condition fecal water syndrome.

On May 18, a 3-year-old Belgian gelding at a private facility in Clark County, Wisconsin, tested positive for strangles. The horse developed clinical signs on May 13, including fever, nasal discharge, and mandibular lymphadenopathy. The gelding is quarantined, and one additional horse has been exposed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.