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Discussion on Treatment recommendations-short term?
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Member:
gwen
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 8, 2008 - 6:05 pm:
My new pony has diarrhea. He has been with us for almost a month and has been obsessed with acorns (I read the article--scary!). I think that the amount he has access to has actually diminished, which makes me happy. He has popped up with diarrhea a few times since his arrival, and I attributed it to him stealing some flaxseed from the big guys, or maybe the acorns irritating him. He had it twice in the past month, with it only lasting a day. He has however, shown to have the problem all week. I have mostly noticed it because of his icky legs and tail. His poops have been pretty normal, until today. They seem a bit loose. I certainly will call the vet if necessary, but would like to be able to try to treat it on my own. I have started him on psyllium, because I saw it recommended, and have seen him scrounging for any morsel he can find. So I am thinking that he may have some sand/gravel in his tummy. So, I would like to get anyone's thoughts. I noticed that psyllium actually has fiber, so is that okay to give when his poops are loose as it is? Thanks!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 8, 2008 - 7:43 pm:
Gwen diarrhea is a symptom and not a disease and while you conjecture possible causes right now that is...just conjecture. What are your horses vital signs, attitude, and appetite like?
DrO
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Member:
gwen
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 8, 2008 - 7:48 pm:
His temperature was normal. I didn't notice any elevated respiration. His appetite is very typical-insatiable. He is still his sassy self for the most part, based on my observations. I watched him poop late this afternoon, and although it was somewhat loose (cow patty-ish, but not quite so soupy), he was not uncomfortable while going. He just went to his corner, pooped, and went back to his hay. I read on another forum that this happens to a lot of horses around this time of year. Someone mentioned yogurt mixed with grain?
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 9, 2008 - 6:02 am:
Gwen I would be suspicious of the acorns, is he still eating them? We have oaks on our property that the horses do not have access to.
The cows do though and last year we had a couple that were obsessed with them, they got diarrhea too.
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Member:
gwen
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 9, 2008 - 11:47 am:
Hmm Thanks, Diane. I can't seem to find any acorns. I am thinking that they are past prime, and are not falling like they had been. All three horses seem a bit loose. It is just the little guy that is all messy on his legs and bum. Off to take advantage of the good weather, to give him a bath!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 9, 2008 - 6:58 pm:
I don't see a lot of diarrheas around this time of year Gwen and acorns (primarily white and northern red oak) become a major constituent of the horse's pastures in our areas. This time of year you might see loose stools in horses moved from overgrazed pastures to lush pasture as the cool season grasses come on. There are some that cause problems but without other signs I put it low on the list.
DrO
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Member:
gwen
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Posted on Friday, Oct 10, 2008 - 6:34 am:
Okay, thank you Dr. O. I caught them all eating leaves yesterday. I am sure that doesn't help.
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