Staying on guard against equine colitis
Photo via PET TALK
Horses have delicate and complex gastrointestinal systems compared to many other animals, leaving them susceptible to digestive disorders, such as colitis.
“The term ‘colitis’ means inflammation of the large intestine, which is most often accompanied by diarrhea,” explained Dr. Amanda Trimble, a clinical assistant professor of equine internal medicine at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “There are many different causes of colitis in horses, some potentially more severe than others, and associated signs largely depend on if the disorder is acute (rapid onset) or chronic (long-lasting).”
Because timely recognition and intervention are crucial to preventing the progression of colitis and minimizing its impact on a horse’s health, Trimble advises owners to closely monitor their horses for any signs so that if it arises, a veterinarian can determine the cause as soon as possible.
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