Foal Diarrhea

Abstract

Diarrhea is one of the most important diseases in young foals and may occur in more than half of foals until weaning age. Several infectious and noninfectious underlying causes have been implicated but scientific evidence of pathogenesis is evolving. It is important to investigate all known potential causes and identify infectious agents to avoid outbreaks, evaluate the level of systemic compromise, and establish adequate therapy. It is crucial to differentiate foals that can be managed in field conditions from those that should be sent to a referral center. This article reviews these aspects and recent developments in the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Gut Microbiota Manipulation in Foals—Naturopathic Diarrhea Management, or Unsubstantiated Folly?

“…The most commonly reported etiologic agents of foal diarrheal disease (Table 1) include rotavirus, Clostridium perfringens types A and C, Salmonella spp., Clostridium difficile, Cryptosporidia, and Lawsonia intracellularis [1,[35][36][37][38]. Less common causes include coronavirus, Rhodococcus equi and Strongyloides westeri [1].…”

“…The most commonly reported etiologic agents of foal diarrheal disease (Table 1) include rotavirus, Clostridium perfringens types A and C, Salmonella spp., Clostridium difficile, Cryptosporidia, and Lawsonia intracellularis [1,[35][36][37][38]. Less common causes include coronavirus, Rhodococcus equi and Strongyloides westeri [1]. Frederick et al, found foals less than one month of age were more likely to suffer from Clostridium perfringens and idiopathic diarrhea, while rotavirus, Salmonella spp.…”

“…However, by far the most common type of early juvenile diarrhea is foal-heat diarrhea, which is seen in 75-85% of otherwise systemically healthy foals between five and 15 days of age [1]. The loose feces were previously believed a response to compositional changes in the mare's milk as she returned to a normal estrus cycle in the postpartum period.…”

“…Diarrhea affects more than 50-60% of foals in the first six months of life [1,2] and bears significant health and economic consequences. Mortality rates vary widely with etiology, but foals are more susceptible to rapid and severe dehydration due to their small size and shorter colon, which is unable to reabsorb as much fluid from watery feces as that of an adult horse [3].…”

“…Even mild diarrhea may have important economic and performance consequences due to reduced weight gain and poor growth. While diarrhea in foals is usually associated with enteritis and sepsis [1,4], not all diarrhea is pathological or warrants intervention. For example, one of the most prevalent types of diarrhea in young horses is foal-heat diarrhea [1,4], which is a non-infectious and usually mild occurrence seen in otherwise healthy foals and requires only close monitoring [4].…”