Name
Building and Maintaining the Equine Gut
Date & Time
Saturday, March 29, 2025, 1:45 PM - 2:35 PM
Description
The equine gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota is essential for digestion, immune support, and overall health in horses. This diverse community of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa ferments fibrous components of the diet, producing volatile fatty acids as a key energy source. For equine practitioners, understanding the implications of microbial imbalance, or dysbiosis, is crucial, as it can lead to common conditions. Factors such as diet changes, stress, and the use of medications—especially antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—can disrupt the GI microbiota, causing both local and systemic health issues. As veterinary research continues to advance, equine practitioners are increasingly recognizing the importance of maintaining a healthy GI microbiota. Strategies such as implementing appropriate diets, using probiotics and prebiotics, and reducing unnecessary antibiotic use are key tools for practitioners to help maintain microbial balance. Proactive management of the microbiota can significantly reduce the incidence of GI-related diseases, improving patient outcomes and overall wellbeing. This review emphasizes practical, evidence-based approaches for both equine veterinarians and horse owners to assess and manage the GI microbiota in routine care. By focusing on microbiome health, practitioners can adopt preventive strategies that reduce the risk of GI disturbances, improve recovery from illness, and enhance long-term health in equine patients. Understanding and maintaining the GI microbiota is a valuable tool for equine veterinarians aiming to optimize clinical outcomes.
Location Name
Southtown 2
Full Address
San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk
101 Bowie Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
United States
Session Type
Lecture