E157
Diarrhea in Young Animals

1. Salmonella

1. The foal is often lethargic, dehydrated, and may show signs of colic.
2. This can infect humans as well.

2. Rhodococcus equi

1. Diarrhea caused by this organism is usually a result of internal abscesses that shed the bacteria throughout the body.

3. Clostridium organisms

1. The diarrhea caused by these organisms is often bloody. The foal may show signs of colic and will rapidly decline over just a few hours.

4. Bacteroides fragilis

5. Campylobacter

* All of these bacteria can be identified using a fecal culture sent to a veterinarian. (See page D135 for culture information.)

1. Rotavirus

1. Initial signs include not eating, lethargy, and watery diarrhea.
2. This infection may be associated with stress and overcrowding, along with poor hygiene.
3. This virus can be identified from a fecal sample submitted to a veterinarian.

1. Strongyloides westeri

1. This prasite can be passed through the mother’s milk to the foal.

2. Strongyloides vulgaris
   
3. Cryptosporidium
   
4. Giardia

* Many of these parasites can be identified from a fecal flotation performed by a veterinarian. (See page D220 for fecal flotation information.)

1. Foal Heat

1. The foal is usually not lethargic and only has a small amount of diarrhea. 
2. Often no treatment is required; however, special attention is necessary if the diarrhea persists or the foal becomes dehydrated or lethargic.

2. Nutrition

1. Overfeeding or overeating concentrates can cause diarrhea.
2. Be careful to use only milk replacers designed specifically for foals.

3. Ulcers

1. These are usually the result of stress placed on the foal (sickness, separation, etc.).
2. The manure is soft and can be dark and tar-like. The foal may also show signs of colic and grind its teeth.
3. Treatment involves removing the stress and placing the foal on an H₂ blocker like Zantac or Tagamet. Sucralfate can also be very helpful. 

Treatment: Treatment for each of the above problems involves identifying the specific cause for the diarrhea and initiating the appropriate treatment. Once the specific problem has been identified, the following suggestions can be implemented:

1. Hydration - No matter what causes the diarrhea, the horse should remain well hydrated. This can be accomplished by oral, or if necessary, IV fluid administration.
2. Stomach and intestine protection - Sucralfate, Tagamet, or Zantac.
3. Antibiotics - These are particularly important if a bacterial infection is suspected. Antibiotics can be used in some of the other problems; however, they are used to prevent secondary, bacterial infections and not to treat the problem. As in all bacterial infections, it is always best to base the antibiotic choice on culture and sensitivity. If this is not possible, a broad spectrum antibiotic is recommended (Naxcel or Trimethoprim and sulfadiazine, etc.).
4. If a parasite infection is suspected, use of a de-wormer is recommended.

Prevention: Good management practices such as vaccination programs, de-worming, good nutrition, and proper hygiene are essential. When an animal is sick with diarrhea, special care is required to prevent disease transmission from one animal to another. Clean gloves, coveralls, and proper sterilization of equipment are recommended to prevent disease transmission. Designate one pair of coveralls and equipment for that specific foal and completely sterilize these materials before using them again on another animal. The sick animal should also be isolated.