DIGESTIVE

INCOMPLETE DIGESTION/MALDIGESTION

Background: A common problem with multiple causes; if an entire herd or kennel is affected, environmental or dietary causes are likely.
Symptoms: Digestive symptoms such as excess gas production, loose or unformed stool or increased appetite accompanied by weight loss. Secondary conditions, resembling signs of malnutrition develop; these include skin and coat problems. In severe cases, muscle weakness, mental derangement, pica, and/or skeletal demineralization may occur.
Diagnostics: A thorough examination of the housing facility, feed storage area and analysis of the diet is essential. An analysis of the components of the stool as well as blood tests to evaluate potential liver, kidney, pancreatic (endocrine and exocrine) and electrolyte problems are recommended. Parasites should also be ruled out.
Special Notes: Signs of maldigestion may appear first in horses with weaker digestive capacity. The digestive tract may have developed improperly or been damaged through disease, surgery or other insult.
Principles for Supplementation: Enhance healing of the intestinal wall; replace enzymes that may be lacking.

EQUINE PRODUCTS—INCOMPLETE DIGESTION/MALDIGESTION

Formulas:	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Digestive Tonic14	?-½ scoop bid	Clears stagnant food; enhances digestion.
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.
Noni fruit6,15	Powder: 3-4 tsp bid fruit leather: 2-4 two-inch sq pieces	Source antioxidants, fatty acids, amino acids.
Hilton Digest Plus2	1-2 scoops sid	Provides beneficial bacteria to repopulate intestinal flora.
GlutathioneVET12	6-12 capsules sid	Is a cofactor for dozens of enzymes involved in detoxification, provides hepatic support, improves bowel health.
L-GlutamineVET Powder12	3-10 scoops sid	Main fuel for enterocytes.
PRO BI1	5 mL bid	Corrects pH balance, favoring beneficial bacteria.
Slippery Elm13,17	20 grams bid	Aids in healing the intestinal wall.