Mr. Andy Durham

Liphook Eqine Hospital, Hampshire

Professor Celia Marr

Rossdale and Ptnrs. Newmarket

Mr. Richard Hepburn

Willesley Equine Hospital, Stroud

Ms. Rachael Conwell

Ms. Nicky Jarvis R

edwings Animal Sanctuary, Norwich

Cases involving weight loss or diarrhoea are among the most common medical syndromes that are confronted in equine practice and they occur in all types and ages of horse and pony. They present a significant, and sometimes frustrating, diagnostic challenge but with the right logical approach, and the careful use of diagnostic aids, a precise diagnosis can be made in the majority of cases.

Acute diarrhoea cases can present as emergencies but the rational use of supportive care and fluid therapy can avert life-threatening consequences. In chronic diarrhoea cases the goal of an accurate diagnosis is essential to help determine an appropriate therapeutic regimen and the long-term prognosis.

Although many of the causes of these syndromes have been known for some time recent research has clarified their pathophysiology and the clinical approach to them. In addition, new causes continue to be identified and fresh insights into treatment devised. Finally, with an ever-ageing population of horses and ponies increasing numbers of these problems are being identified and investigated in this group of animals. This course is designed to help veterinarians to gain the very latest ideas on the aetiology, identification, treatment and prognosis of the common causes of weight loss and diarrhoea in the horse and pony.

Extra time will be available after lectures for discussion and delegates will be encouraged to interact fully with tutors in the case based and open discussions. The combined talents and practical experiences of a group of practice equine clinicians, of vast experience in this field, along with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, will stimulate delegates to assimilate knowledge on, and to discuss, the diagnosis and most effective treatment of diarrhoea and weight loss in the horse and pony.

• The approach to weight loss in the Horse

• Nutrition and body condition scoring 

• Gastrointestinal problems incl. dental disease, chronic dysphagia, gastric ulceration, alabsorption/maldigestion without diarrhoea, neoplastic disease, chronic grass disease etc.

• Liver disease

• Endocrine and metabolic disease

• Other conditions leading to weight loss including renal disease, cardiovascular problems, thoracic or abdominal abscesses etc.

• The causes of acute diarrhoea in the horse

• General principles of treatment of acute diarrhoea

• Differential diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of chronic diarrhoea

• Diarrhoea in the neonatal and older foal