Do Probiotics Help Prevent Foal Diarrhea?

The probiotic researchers tested had “disappointing” results, but not all studies have yielded negative results.
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Do Probiotics Help Prevent Foal Diarrhea?
Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse

Do you give your foals probiotics to prevent diarrhea? New research suggests that perhaps you shouldn’t. It appears that the substance meant to put a halt to diarrhea isn’t stopping it and, in fact, might even encourage it.

Designed to enhance the body’s defense, probiotics can produce antimicrobial compounds that target intestinal pathogens and their toxins. In theory, and even in in vitro (laboratory dish) tests, the concept seems to work. However, results from a new study by scientists in Switzerland suggest that in the living foal, the probiotic’s effects are disappointing.

“Our results are a bit frightening, particularly because probiotics are often given under the assumption that ‘even if they don’t work, they won’t cause any harm,’” said Angelika Schoster, DrMedVet, DVSc, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, ECEIM, senior clinical lecturer at the University of Zurich’s Vetsuisse Faculty in the Clinic for Equine Internal Medicine, in Zurich

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Passionate about horses and science from the time she was riding her first Shetland Pony in Texas, Christa Lesté-Lasserre writes about scientific research that contributes to a better understanding of all equids. After undergrad studies in science, journalism, and literature, she received a master’s degree in creative writing. Now based in France, she aims to present the most fascinating aspect of equine science: the story it creates. Follow Lesté-Lasserre on Twitter @christalestelas.

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