QuestionHi, I have a mini colt 4 1/2 months old. He has chronic liquid diarrhea. He is eating alfalfa/grass mix hay along with the rest of the adult minis. He is still with mom and nurses when she lets him. They are not fed anything else. He eats and drinks fine. He is not overweight but seems like he has very little energy. I think maybe the hay is to rich for him. I have given him doses of psylium fiber and that seems to clear it up, but when I stop giving it to him the diarrhea comes right back. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated?
AnswerHi Patty-
A friend of mine and I both had this problem with foals about the same age as yours. We never did figure out what it was (after a lot of medical bills) but both babies did recover. Diarrhea in foals can be caused by a lot of things- disease, bacteria, virus, etc. Here's some things to check: is his temperature over 102? Are his gums nice and pink or pale? Is he eating and drinking well? That can help rule out something more serious such as rotavirus or salmonella. If his signs are good I would replace his hay with a grass hay that isn't so rich. I have also used a wonderful product called Biosponge which is pretty readily available for around $10 tube (Tractor Supply had it when I was in there last). It is given orally and helps absorb toxins in their intestinal tracts. My vet also recommended Pepto Bismal, Keopectate and yogurt with active cultures (ours liked vanilla), also electrolytes such as childen's Pedialite (from the grocery store). You will probably need a large syringe (minus the needle, of course) to feed him this stuff and his resistance will be a good sign! Another thought- it could be parasites. Have you wormed him? One other thought- is Mom in heat? That can cause it, too. Just be sure to keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't get dehydrated. If he runs a fever, gets dehydrated or gets worse rather than better- call your vet! Hope this helps, Toni
