Digestive System
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Article
Digestive Capacity in Weanling and Mature Horses Studied
Researchers compared the digestibility of a high-forage diet when fed to weanling versus mature horses.
Photo by Anne M. Eberhardt
Article
Colic Researchers: Tight Junctions Crucial in Gut Function
A research team is examining how infectious disease and inflammation impact cells in the horse's gut.
Photo by Anthony Blikslager, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS
Article
Foreign Object Consumption
June 11, 2013
My stallion ate a piece of netting off a roll of hay. Will it pass through his system? ... Read More
Article
Equine Gastrointestinal Health Reviewed
June 03, 2013
Horse owners can take simple steps to help keep their animals' GI systems functioning optimally.... Read More
Article
Digestive Capacity in Weanling and Mature Horses Studied
May 15, 2013
Researchers compared the digestibility of a high-forage diet when fed to weanling versus mature horses.... Read More
Article
Differences in Urine
March 05, 2013
My two horses' urine output is very different in smell and color. What could be causing this?... Read More
Article
Colic Researchers: Tight Junctions Crucial in Gut Function
February 01, 2013
A research team is examining how infectious disease and inflammation impact cells in the horse's gut.... Read More
Article
Microbiomes: It's All About Balance
January 23, 2013
Veterinarians are starting to understand the complexity and diversity of equine microbiome.... Read More
Article
Pre- and Probiotics for Horses
November 26, 2012
Providing pre- and probiotics, coupled with proper nutrition, can have positive effects on horses' health.... Read More
Article
Study Evaluates Unintentional Weight Loss in Horses
October 23, 2012
Researchers pinpointed a definitive cause of weight loss in 60% of evaluated cases.... Read More
Article
Study Examines Most 'Physically Effective Fiber' for Horses
October 06, 2012
Forage-only diets provide horses with more physically effective fiber than hay and concentrate diets.... Read More
Article
Hindgut Microflora's Potential Role in Equine Obesity
June 04, 2012
Researchers now believe the microflora residing in the hindgut could contribute to equine obesity.... Read More
Article
23 Cases of Atypical Myopathy Diagnosed in Spring 2012
May 15, 2012
Eighteen cases identified in France, four in Great Britain, and one in New Zealand.... Read More
Article
Possibility of Gluten Sensitivity in Horses Examined
May 09, 2012
Researchers found that some horses with inflammatory small bowel disease could have a gluten intolerance.... Read More
Article
Effects of Food Deprivation on Horses' Cardiac Function
May 04, 2012
Research finds withholding a horse's feed reduced heart rate and increased atrioventricular block frequency.... Read More
Article
Know How to Use A Stethoscope Before You Need It
April 12, 2012
A properly used stethoscope can help horse owners pick up on possible developing health problems.... Read More
Article
Supportive Care for Foals with Pharyngeal Dysfunction
March 14, 2012
A recent study suggests that with supportive care affected foals can lead healthy and productive lives.... Read More
Article
Top Medicine Studies of 2011 (AAEP 2011)
February 15, 2012
A wrap-up of the most important, interesting, or applicable studies to equine medicine from Dr. Steve Reed.... Read More
Article
"Colic in 3D: The Glass Horse" Lecture Scheduled
January 20, 2012
On Tuesday, Feb.7, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the New Bolton Center will present "Colic in 3D: The Glass Horse."... Read More
Article
Dysphagia in Horses Difficult to Diagnose
January 02, 2012
There are more than 100 possible causes for dysphagia--the inability to swallow--in horses.... Read More
Article
Monitoring and Preventing EPE on Endemic Farms (AAEP 2011)
December 27, 2011
Researchers are helping horse farms control and detect equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE).... Read More
Article
Nutritional Support for Equine Digestive Health
November 05, 2011
Balancing the digestive system is key to maintaining equine health by improving nutrient absorption.... Read More
Article
The Equine Digestive Tract and How it Relates to Colic
September 07, 2011
Certain parts of the horse's digestive tract are associated with higher risks of developing colic.... Read More
Article
Gastrointestinal Problems in the Foal
August 03, 2011
Meconium impaction, ulcers, diarrhea, and other GI problems can arise in foals.... Read More
Article
Enteric Bacteria: Can Healthy Horses be Carriers?
July 11, 2011
Could a healthy horse in one's own backyard be a disease risk for other horses?... Read More
Article
The Many Faces of Colic
July 01, 2011
Considering the length and volume of the equine digestive system, it’s little wonde... Read More
Article
Monitoring and Preventing Equine Proliferative Enteropathy
June 14, 2011
Prevention and monitoring strategies for equine proliferative enteropathy, a disease that affects weanlings ... Read More
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Farm Call: Your Questions Answered
Foreign Object Consumption
Q. My stallion ate a piece of netting off a roll of hay. Will it pass through his system? What do I need to do to help it through?
Differences in Urine
Q. My two horses' urine output is very different. The ammonia smell of my Thoroughbred's urine is a lot stronger than that of my Quarter Horse. I read that protein affects ammonia levels--could that be why? What could be causing this?
Belching Horse
Q. I have a 16-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse gelding who appears to be in perfect physical condition, except for one thing--he belches. Often. Can anything other than ulcers cause this?
