DIGESTIVE

DIARRHEA, CHRONIC

Background: Causes of chronic diarrhea range from viruses, bacteria, and intestinal parasites to inflammatory processes, including immune-mediated conditions and cancer. Diarrhea is often due to food allergy as well as poor-quality food; if this is the case, dietary changes are required. Chronic parasitic diseases, cancer and other serious conditions may also manifest as chronic diarrhea and should be investigated. Exposure to toxins in the environment may also be involved.
Symptoms: Increased volume and/or frequency of stool.
Diagnostics: Stool evaluation, blood work, complete workup of any other systems that may be involved.
Special Notes: Emotional stress can directly affect the digestive tract and should also be evaluated. If horses have been ill for an extended period, and especially after a long course of antibiotics, the balance of normal intestinal flora is likely disrupted; this can allow an influx of pathogens to become established.
Principles for Supplementation: Probiotic supplementation is important, along with support for healing of the intestinal wall. Enzymes are important in many cases, especially for horses with poor digestion.

EQUINE PRODUCTS—CHRONIC DIARRHEA

Formulas:	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
ImmunoVET-EQ12	3-4 scoops sid	Enhances the immune system, supplies bioactive proteins, immunoglobulins and peptides.
CurcuVET-EQ12	1 scoop bid	Down-regulates the pro-inflammatory substances, tumor necrosis factor, alpha (TNF-a) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-?B), supports normal intestinal function.
Digestive Tonic14	4 tsp bid	Supports GI tract, clears Damp.
PRO BI1	5 mL bid	Corrects pH balance, favoring beneficial bacteria.
Gastriplex12	12-20 capsules sid	Supports enterocytes; improves local immune function.
Hilton Digest Plus2	1-2 scoops sid	Provides beneficial bacteria to repopulate the intestinal flora.
L-GlutamineVET12	3-10 tsp sid	Main fuel for enterocytes.
Bacillus CoagulansVET12	4-8 capsules sid	Beneficial gut bacteria.
GlutathioneVET12	6-12 capsules sid	Is a cofactor for dozens of enzymes involved in detoxification, provides hepatic support, improves bowel health.