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Re: [RC] More GI Stuff - EventXCHi folks, I have been off-line for the past week and haven't fully caught up on the discussion about e-lytes, drinking, ileus etc, but what a great discussion. Here is another thing to consider... gut flora. We really don't understand the interconnectedness of the inhabitants of the GI tract and how they pertain to overall gut function and health. The human research on 'Leaky Gut' issues in people is just getting started in Europe and non-existent in the US. I only recently heard the words 'leaky gut' mentioned at a vet meeting 2-3 years ago at AAEP (Am Assoc of Equine Practitioners) when Dr. Chris Pollitt (from Australia) was discussing gut bacteria and their roles in laminitis. So here is another thing to think about based on what I have read in the human literature....what long-term role would overuse of antibiotics play in our horses? Researchers in Europe think in some instances that as little as 2 doses of antibiotics in a lifetime, combined with inappropriate diet, could start a process of gi dysfunction, especially under times of stress. The problem in the US is that we now don't have to directly administer antibiotics to our horses in order for them to have problems. A recent gov't study (done by NOAA and EPA) showed that triclosan, the chemical in antibacterial hand soaps, does not get removed by water treatment plants in metropolitan areas and goes right back into the drinking water (as do many pee-through hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and thryoid). Wonder what affect that is having, not only on us, but also on our animals that share our drinking water? Importance to this discussion? Just curious if animals with less balanced and less varied bug populations (due to drug selection of killing specific bacteria) would tend to have a greater problem with ileus, diarrhea, abnormal peristalsis and gas production? Maybe certain familial lines are that way because the foal never was really inoculated with the proper bacteria due to environment (water, mare's gut missing right bacteria, etc)? At competitions for both myself (remember I am an eventer) and my endurance, eventing, CT, driving clients, I highly recommend use of probiotics, especially if gut sounds are diminished, unorganized or if there is loose manure. At rest stops for endurance folks, probiotics mixtures are alternated with electrolytes mixed with applesauce. Also, ANYTIME any of my or my clients' horses have to have antibiotics, they ALWAYS go on as many different strains of probiotics as possible for at least 30 days, especially if the horse is kept by itself in a stall. Any horse with a history with GI problems, even a little travel-stress diarrhea (which is normally ignored), gets weeks to months of probiotics. I think since I have added this approach to my overall health care evaluation that the incidence of problems in these horses has diminished overall, but I sure would like to see some good research on the issue. Who knows what roll, gut bugs play in ulcers? Just some food for thought to add to the concoction of this very interesting and informative thread. Kim Henneman, DVM Park City Utah USA PS: Thanks Joan for those words of encouragement from last week. I can thank you for having some of the writing skills that I do...and definitely the speaking ones (kissing the Blarney stone might have contributed there too.) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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