Understanding Hindgut Acidosis
Understanding Hindgut Acidosis in Horses and the Benefits of Basic Animal Health Gut Health Products
Introduction
Hindgut acidosis and many challenges beyond the stomach in horses are a significant health concern that can impact their overall well-being and performance. This condition arises when there is a change in the speed of the feed moving through the gut or rapid fermentation of starches in the hindgut, all leading to a decrease in pH and creating an acidic environment. This can disrupt the delicate balance of the hindgut’s microbial population, leading to various health issues. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and management of hindgut acidosis, with a focus on the benefits of using Basic Animal Health’s Gut Health products. Basic Animal Health GUTHEALTH XTRA STRENGTH will change your horse’s life today and into the future.
Causes of Hindgut Acidosis
Hindgut acidosis primarily occurs due to dietary imbalances, particularly when horses are fed high-grain, low-fiber diets. Grains that are high in starch and sugars can ferment rapidly in the hindgut, producing lactic acid. This acid lowers the pH of the hindgut, which can be detrimental to the horse’s health. Other contributing factors can include changes in the speed of the gut. This can be due to the diet itself and changes in stress levels. When the speed changes, either faster or slower, consider the following. An assembly line has something being done to a particular unit in a particular order all happening smoothly as the predicated speed. Next consider what would happen to this assembly line if were to speed up. The appropriate actions would not have time to take place in the designated locations so, everything would run very poorly with an incomplete end result. If you think of the Horse’s digestive tract in the same manner, consider there are certain bacteria that do certain jobs in specific places and particular times in the process. When the speed changes, the entire system changes with very critical results, ending in multiple negative challenges.
Feed can be a major cause of the issue if you realize that the horse’s system was designed to digest grass… I you walk outside, pick a good handful of grass and quickly rub it back and forth between your palms, you will see the slippery, slimy substance that the horse’s gastrointestinal system was built to breakdown. Now, very simply do that with whatever it is you are feeding including hay. You will instantly see the challenge that your horse has in keeping its digestive system moving and healthy. This is making no mention of the ingredients in today’s feed concentrations and that grain itself is a friend of the system in any way
Other events or issues that may cause challenges:
- Sudden changes in diet
- Limited access to forage
- Stress from transportation or changes in environment
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of hindgut acidosis can vary but often include:
- Most symptoms currently attributed as ulcer, unless the horse is not eating, are actually a hindgut issue
- Cinchy, Grouchy, Grumpy, Crabby, Sore over the back, etc
- Colic or abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Fecal water syndrome
- Changes in eating behavior
- Weight loss, poor body condition
- Poor hair coat, dull, faded non Glossy
- Behavioral changes such as irritability or lethargy
Diagnosis typically involves a thorough examination (Click To See Video). Remember that your veterinarian truly has no tools to diagnose hindgut issues. Endoscopy does give your vet the ability to view the stomach to positively diagnose gastric ulcers, but nothing further. Therefore, this really makes the use of pressure points (as seen in the videos) of the utmost importance. Every time we discuss a horse’s Gastrointestinal issues with a client, we usually begin with a review of the horse’s diet and management practices. We can recommend best practices once we know the challenges presented by the diet.
Management and Prevention
Managing hindgut acidosis involves dietary adjustments and supportive care. Key strategies include:
- Start a loading serving daily protocol of Basic Animal Health GutHealth Xtra Strength Gel and recommended daily maintenance GutHealth Xtra Strength liquid based on severity of the issues. Basic Animal Health ProPerformance pack is the perfect place to ensure positive results within days of beginning.
- Increasing fiber intake through high-quality forage
- Reducing grain and concentrate feeds
- Implementing dietary changes and eliminating unnecessary supplements
- Ensuring constant access to water
Benefits of Basic Animal Health Gut Health Products
Basic Animal Health offers a range of Gut Health products designed to support the digestive health of horses. The GutHealth blends are formulated to get the system moving at a steady pace while soothing and adjusting the internal environment pH allowing cells to migrate and close lesions, which will eliminate the ulcer now and with maintenance, into the future. Increasing and maintaining hindgut pH reduces the acidic environment that has been causing the internal irritation which leads to all the externally projected symptoms. This irritation is the reason for the horse’s act out based on internal pain caused by any pressure applied to pressure points. Basic Animal Health products are particularly beneficial for daily management, preventing hindgut acidosis through daily GUTHEALTH product support. To be sure stress does not play a factor, try administering prior to riding (Xtra Strength Gel or ShowFocus for a BetterRide), showing, trailering (Try TrailerRide) and any other stressful situations.
Key benefits include:
- Increases and Maintains Hindgut internal pH: Microencapsulated Sodium Bicarbonate allows for time released action for delivery to the small intestine and Cecum, increasing the pH reducing the chances for any acidosis challenges. This will reduce and eliminate the reason for the irritation and inflammation, in turn improving your horse’s overall health, improving your rides and allowing your horse to simply be happier with life.
- Supporting a Healthy Microbial Balance: These products contain prebiotics and probiotics that help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is crucial for preventing acidosis and overall sound physical and mental health.
- Enhancing Fiber Digestion: Ingredients like enzymes can improve the digestion of fiber, reducing the risk of undigested starch reaching the hindgut.
- Providing Soothing Ingredients: Some products contain ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera and Xanthan, which can soothe the lining of the GI tract and reduce discomfort.
- Boosting Overall Gut Health: Regular use of these supplements can contribute to a healthier gut environment, improving nutrient absorption and overall well-being and Performance.
Hindgut acidosis is a manageable condition with the right dietary and management practices. Basic Animal Health’s GutHealth products offer a comprehensive approach to supporting the digestive health of horses, helping to prevent and manage hindgut acidosis effectively. By understanding the causes and symptoms of this condition and utilizing targeted supplements, horse owners can ensure their equine companions maintain optimal health and performance. Better Rides exist through better understanding of your horse’s health. Go to www.basicanimalhealth.com today to learn more and watch YouTube videos on our channel, Basic Animal Health. We are always available for individual assistance anytime by Tom Hall direct at 419-494-2393.
