Category: Digestive Health

Diarrhea in Horses – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

ABSTRACT

Diarrhea in adult horses can either be acute or chronic in nature and causes can be ascertained in half of the cases only. Infectious agents that have been found as potential causes of acute diarrhea in adult horses include numerous Clostridium difficileC perfringensSalmonella serovars, Neorickettsia risticii,Aeromonas spp, coronavirus, and cyathostomiasis. However in many cases it can occur due to ingestion of toxic substances by horse, NSAID toxicity, colitis induced by antimicrobial drugs, and sand enteropathy. Diarrhea persisting for more than one month in horses is considered to be chronic one. In such cases the diagnosis can be difficult. In this write up you can get all the information about Diarrhea in horses its Ayurvedic management and treatment by herbal remedies from Planet Ayurveda.

INTRODUCTION TO DIARRHEA IN HORSES

Diarrhea in horses is a common ailment in horses and can be either acute or chronic depending upon the time duration the horse is suffering from. Causes in both types can be different. However, in many cases horses recover on their own where the disease is mild. But in many other cases proper diagnosis and treatment is required. Where an acute form of disease is caused due to many infectious and toxic agents, the chronic diarrhea is caused due to many non-inflammatory conditions of the intestines. In such cases there occurs fermentation in the large intestine due to the altered intestinal flora, antimicrobial treatment, changes in diet or other unknown causes. Your horse may need a treatment where the condition is caused due to intestinal parasite, infection or other gastrointestinal condition making them very ill.

Diarrhea in horses

Keep a check on these

Skin conditions like lesion formations and discharges are the primary signs that we may notice. Respiratory issues could also be present.Sudden loss of appetite preceded by abnormal skin conditions and weight loss associated with it, is another visible symptom. Lesions on eye areas could be also visible as these fungi further start to develop to higher stages. This should be immediately treated as it might affect their vision. It’s very important to be keen about these symptoms to make it easy for your dogs and prevent them from reaching higher stages like actively affecting their internal organs.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF THE DIARRHEA IN HORSES

As per Ayurveda, the diseases are caused due to the imbalance in any of the three doshas. Here the digestive fire (Agni) is also low. Digestive fire(Agni) is responsible for the digestion and if it is low, digestion is disturbed.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DIARRHEA IN HORSES

Clinically ill horses may show certain signs and symptoms like.

  • Pain in abdomen
  • Thirst is increased
  • Activity is decreased
  • Depression
  • Dehydration
  • Weight loss
  • Pot belly
  • Dull eyes
  • Poor coat

CAUSES OF DIARRHEA IN HORSES

As previously discussed there can be many causes of both an acute and chronic form of the condition. On the contrary, sometimes horses recover themselves when the condition is not as severe. Naturally there are many normal bacteria in the large colon and caecum. These bacteria of different types are an important part of intestinal flora in the horses. But if there occurs a sudden imbalance of these bacteria due to antimicrobial treatment, changes in the diet or ingesting any toxic substance, digestion gets upset and diarrhea occurs in horses. Hence when the balance of these organisms is restored the digestion also gets on the track. This sometimes occurs on its own and sometimes may require treatment.

Salmonellosis is an infection which can cause a severe form of the disease ranging from acute to chronic. Some of the horses are carriers of the infection which shows symptoms only when given any antibiotics treatment or after being hospitalized for surgery. Another cause of diarrhea in horses can be parasites infection which usually affects older or young debilitated horses.

Stress can also be a reason for diarrhea in horses when they are transported through a long way under hot conditions, stress during or after surgery or stress developed due to general anesthesia. All these factors can cause toxemia and damage to the gut wall.

DIAGNOSIS OF DIARRHEA IN HORSES

Signs and symptoms make the diagnosis obvious but the diagnosing cause can be a difficult task. The veterinarian will take a detailed history about the horse including any changes in diet, stress, surgery, and other conditions. Along with this stool samples are also sent to the laboratory for finding the presence of a parasite or other infective organism. Rectal biopsy is also performed in some cases where the horse is sedated.

TREATMENT OF DIARRHEA IN HORSES

In cases where only minor disturbances are present in the digestive system of the horse, treatment is not required and resolved in a day or two on its own. But if the cause requires to be treated or the symptoms are severe the treatment is given. Before the diagnosis if the treatment is started, treatment is given on the base of symptoms and also any exaggerating factor is removed like antibiotics, green grass or rich feed. After the cause is found, treatment is given accordingly.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR DIARRHEA IN HORSES

As the disease is caused due to low Agni (Digestive fire) and imbalance of the tridosha, i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha. Hence the treatment is given to reignite the Agni and bring back the doshas into balance. This is attained through herbal remedies which possess natural qualities to treat such conditions.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR DIARRHEA IN HORSES

Herbal Remedies manufactured by Planet Ayurveda are used to treat diseases not only in humans but in animals as well. These herbal remedies are free from any type of chemicals, additives, preservative, color, dye, filler, or yeast which make them much more effective and safe. For diarrhea in horses Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies that helps in treating the condition naturally.

Treatment of Diarrhea in Horses

Herbal Remedies for Diarrhea in horses

Products List

  1. Halorhena + capsule
  2. Digestion support
  3. Mahashankh vati
  4. Motion stop tablets

Products Description

1. Halorhena + Capsules

These are the single herb capsules which are prepared using standardized extract of a herb called Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica). Halorhena + capsules helps in treating diarrhea and re-establishing the digestion.

Dosage– Give 6 capsules twice daily with or after meals

2. Digestion support

Herbs like Amla (Emblica officinalis), Bahera (Terminalia bellerica), Sounf (Foeniculum vulgare), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Jeerak (Cyminum cuminum), Dhania (Coriander sativum) and Pippali (Piper longum) are used in the preparation of these herbal capsules. As the name suggests, these capsules restore the digestion and treat the digestive issues.

Dosage– Give 2 capsules twice daily with or after meals

3. Mahashankh vati

These are the herbal tablets which help in balancing the tridosha and relieve gas and pain in the abdomen. Mahashankh vati is prepared using herbs like Saikharika (Achyranthes aspera), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Nimbu (Citrus limon), Amla (Emblica officinalis) etc.

Dosage– Give 6 tablets twice daily with or after meals

4. Motion stop tablets

Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica), Anar (Punica granatum), Bael (Aegle marmelos), Haldi (Curcuma longa), and Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) are the herbs used in preparing these multi herbal tablets. Motion stop tablets help in treating loose stools and restore healthy digestion.

Dosage– Give 6 tablets twice daily with or after meals

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040

CONCLUSION

Ayurveda can be a natural way to treat diarrhea in horses. Herbal remedies mentioned above can help in restoring the healthy flora of the intestine and restoring digestion naturally.

Low Fodmap Diet For Treatment Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Abstract

The diet is the most important in the health of a person, intake of a healthy diet prevents dangerous conditions and diseases such as malnutrition etc. In today’s world the majority of people are consuming food rich in salts, energy, fats, free sugars and subsequently low consumption vegetables, fibres and fruits etc. To manage any type of the disease, food is the first medicine, a healthy diet with exercise prevents the risk of many diseases like: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart diseases, stroke and diabetes etc. The high FODMAP diet results in bloating, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, acidity and severe pain.

Let’s discuss in detail about the low FODMAP diet.

Low FODMAP Diet

Introduction

The word FODMAP stands for: Fermentable Oligosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides And Polyols. The meaning of low FODMAP is, the reduction of some kind of carbohydrates which are hard for gut to digest. This diet is specially prescribed to the people, who have functional gastrointestinal diseases such as: IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and some of the food triggers disease. By avoiding usage of such an irritating carbohydrates, provide some time to mucus membrane of the gut to heal, so consuming low FODMAP diet is very helpful in relieving the symptoms. In Ayurveda, food is what makes us both healthy and unhealthy and our Acharaya’s has specially mentioned about: which food we have to take in which Ritucharya (Seasons). So if we have to stay healthy, it becomes very important to follow a diet which is simple, healthy and provide strength to body. In problems like Irritable bowel syndrome, there is a basic prevention of that food which worsens the condition.

What are FODMAPs?

Fermentable

The foods which gut the bacteria feed on, convert them into gases by a chemical process called fermentation.

Oligosaccharides

These are the soluble plant fibres called prebiotics, which feed the beneficial bacteria present in your gut eg, onion, many wheat products, beans, garlic and lentils etc.

Disaccharides

This group of sugar mainly includes lactose, sugar in dairy products and human milk. The lactose intolerance is very common food intolerances world wide

Monosaccharides

This group includes the fruit sugar (fructose sugar)

Polyols

his group mainly includes the artificial sweeteners also called as sugar alcohols, present naturally in some fruits.

Role of FODMAP in Aigestion

The FODMAPs are ones which are considered to be short chain carbs, generally the sugars in the food are broken down into a single molecule from a complex chain to be absorbed by the intestine very easily. But in FODMAPs, the breaking down does not happen, because they are already short chains, so it becomes very difficult for the intestines to digest specially in patients present with IBS which results in abdominal discomfort, indigestion, diarrhoea and severe pain etc diarrhoea.

Foods high in FODMAPs Are

  • Dry fruits ie. cashew nuts, walnuts and peanuts etc. will add to problems.
  • Dairy products which should not be taken are: butter, cheese, high fat milk and tea etc.
  • The oils which increase the problem of IBS are: coconut oil, palm oil.
  • The pulses ie. chickpeas, black gram and kidney beans contain high FODMAP.
  • Red chillies should not be taken.
  • Vegetables like: garlic, ladyfinger, onion and tomato should not be consumed.
  • Drinks such as: sweetened drinks, canned soups, alcohol and carbonated drinks are not good for IBS patients.
  • Citrus fruits ie. canned fruits, peaches, strawberries and pineapple should not be consumed.

Benefits of Low FODMAP Diet

The Low FODMAP diet is very beneficial for people who are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and from small intestine bacterial overgrowth or other digestion issues. The Low FODMAP diet contain three phases

  • Elimination Phase: In this phase there is a complete avoidance of the food, rich in FODMAP (mainly dairy products, fruits etc.)
  • Reintroduction Phase: This is the second phase of low FODMAP diet and also called the challenge phase.
  • Maintenance phase: This is the last phase of FODMAP and in this phase the patient eliminates the food which he/she is sensitive to and consumes the food which suits the patient.

Foods Low in FODMAP Are

  • The spices like: fennel,cumin and coriander are good for the stomach.
  • Dairy products which can be taken are cow ghee and dahi only.
  • Pulses which can be taken are: washed dals and green grams.
  • Fruits that can be taken by Irritable Bowel Syndrome patients include apple, banana, apricot, watermelon, pomegranate (without seeds), kiwi, plum, guava.
  • Cereals include wheat, rice, pearl millet, amaranth, oats, quinoa and brown rice can be consumed.
  • Vegetables which can be taken are: pumpkin, red onion, ginger, celery, cucumber, beetroot and carrot.
  • Drinks like coconut water, sugarcane juices, green juices, home made juice, aloe vera juice can be enjoyed.
  • Oils which can be consumed are: soybean oil, olive oil, mustard oil and cow ghee.

How Does the Low FODMAP Diet Work?

Low FODMAP is a Three-Step Elimination Diet

  • Firstly you stop eating certain foods ( high FODMAP food)
  • Then you slowly reintroduce them to see which ones are troublesome.
  • Once you identify the foods which cause the symptoms then avoid or limit them.

Herbal Remedies for IBS By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a US-FDA registered, GMP certified and ISO 9001:2015 certified company. All the products are formulated under MD Ayurveda experts, containing no preservatives, chemicals, colours, dyes and have no side effects. The formulations are in the form of liquids (asav, arishta, syrup and saar), vatis (tablets), churan (powder) and jams etc. Planet Ayurveda produces the IBS- care pack for irritable bowel syndrome, these herbal formulations are very effective in this condition and also boost the immune system.

IBS Care Pack

  1. Sanjivani Vati
  2. Digestion Support
  3. Kutajghan Vati
  4. Pitta Balance


IBS Care Pack
IBS Care Pack

Product Description

Sanjivani Vati

Sanjivani vati maintains a healthy body temperature and also supports the health of abdominal organs. The ingredients mainly involved are: Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Pippali (Piper longum),Haritaki (Terminalia chebula),Amlaki (Emblica officinalis) and Vacha (Acorus calamus) etc. All the ingredients of this formulation balances the digestive issues, enhances the digestive fire and also enhances the absorption of the food which is very important to manage the IBS.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after the meals.

Digestion Support

This product is very useful to maintain the healthy digestive system and maintain the condition of IBS. Ingredients involved in this formulation are : Sounf ( Foeniculum vulgare), Pippali (Piper longum),Jeerak (Cuminum cyminum), Dhania ( Coriander sativum) and Bahera (Terminalia billerica) etc. This formulation pacifies the tridosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). The herbs are effective to digest the complex sugars and are very useful in the management of Irritable bowel syndrome.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily, with plain water after the meals.

Kutajghan Vati

The Kutajghan vati pacifies the Pitta dosha and controls the excessive motions in IBS. The ingredient involved in this formulation is : Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica). It contains properties like: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, diuretic, immunomodulator and anti- helminthic etc. According to the classical text Kutaj is referred to as udarshoolhar (abdominal pain) and atisar (diarrhoea). This is also indicated in many intestinal disorders like: IBS and Ulcerative colitis etc. So this herbal formulation is very important in the management of Irritable bowel syndrome.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after the meals.

Pitta Balance

Pitta balance maintains the healthy digestion and the ingredients are : Kaharawa Pishti ( Natural calcium compound), Mukta Pishti (Natural calcium compound from pearls), Akik Pishti ( Natural calcium compound) and extract of Giloy Satva ( Tinospora cordifolia) etc. As its name suggests Pitta balance, which means it pacifies the aggravated Pitta dosha. In IBS there is irritation of intestinal mucus membrane which clearly defines the imbalance of Pitta dosha. Pitta balance provides a soothing and cooling effect to the intestines and is also useful in healing.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after the meals.

Conclusion

According to our Acharyas, food is the first medicine, if we consume healthy food and do exercises our body will always remain healthy. Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder which mainly affects the stomach, intestines and gastrointestinal tract which includes the symptoms of pitta aggravation such as : bloating, diarrhoea, hyperacidity and constipation. In this article we have discussed that in IBS the low FODMAP diet is necessary for absorption of nutrients and digest easily without any hindrance. And the high FODMAP diet results in pain and discomfort. In Ayurveda IBS is related with “Sangrahani”, in which the agni (ie. digestive fire) of a person is vitiated which arises from the aggravation of Pitta dosha leads to intestinal mucosal irritation and other symptoms. So, to manage the condition of Irritable bowel syndrome, Planet Ayurveda offers the IBS care pack which is very effective.