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Hello Kathie,

Did anyone mention giardia?
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/Giardiasis/factsht_giardia.htm

Don Huston


At 02:51 PM 4/21/2009 Tuesday, you wrote:

You know I've had the same thing only longer  period of time w/just 3 of our older horses. All others are fine. Just younger in age. Same hays as the others but the older horses are the only ones that have the runs.  Same thing too regarding that they are otherwise fine, no illness displayed, energy levels okay, weight okay, everything.  I too have to clean them every few days and wash their legs and rears to keep them clean.  They've been wormed same as yours as well.

I too have tried electrolytes, probios,...fresh grass, a little beet pulp, etc..everything I could think of. Have added a little alfalfa and 3 grain hays to their diets w/little to no change. This has been going on for more than a year though. Longer than your horse. They get some supplements, vitamins as needed, clean fresh water. I am on a well and I chlorinate it 2x's a year. I turn on the sprinklers at that time as well and it sort of sanitizes the area as well as cools them off in the summer.

I did speak to my vet and he didn't have any answers either so I chose not to waste time w/vet costs. If he'd had some idea  of cause I would have done otherwise. 

I do notice that it does get more runny if they have more Orchard grass then a little better w/some Teff. Could be protein levels? With that I take that way down or eliminate or give them a mix. Currently they get timothy, meadow mix, 3grain. (I give them a mix and free feed them)

Again, none of my other horses display any of this. These older three horses are mares, 18,24, and 31. All otherwise look good. Healthy, shinny coats as well. Shedded out normally this year too.

I thought maybe the orchard was too rich for them possibly. Still, it just won't go away completely. Will get a little better on some days but never really goes away.

I do keep their area clean and picked up daily too. They don't live in dirty areas. All manure is always picked up and deposited in an area away from where I keep them.

However, exercise does seem to help a bit to. These are semi-retired mares.  So, that too could be an issue. Maybe MORE important to have them exercised (ridden) within reason.  All are in good enough health for it.  I don't know otherwise...it boggles my mind.

I'm just glad they are okay in every other way.  If someone else does have some thoughts out there I too would be interested. 

I was concerned early on, but the fact that they aren't sick nor even been colicky, I decided just to keep an eye on it and treat them normally.

Thus, only common issues are older age, less exercise than they used to have, and orchard grass makes it worse. I'm sorry if none of this really helps any.

kathie

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