Introduction
This guide explores the causes, recent research, and practical management strategies for understanding and managing Free Faecal Water Syndrome (FFWS) in horses.
By the end, you'll be equipped with the comprehensive knowledge and tools needed for effectively supporting your horse's well-being when dealing with FFWS.
What is Free Faecal Water Syndrome in horses?
Free Faecal Water Syndrome (FFWS) is characterised by the passage of water alongside or independently of faecal matter from the rectum in horses.
Horses with FFWS may expel liquid faecal matter before, during, or after defecation, indicating an underlying gastrointestinal (GI) disturbance and difficulty with water management and resorption.
The condition can cause skin irritation, especially if watery faeces run down the hind legs, but it is not life-threatening.
Free Faecal Water Syndrome (FFWS) doesn't typically lead to weight loss, colic, or digestive problems. However, it can cause management problems such as soreness around the horse’s bottom and back legs.
FFWS is different from Diarrhoea
Unlike diarrhoea's loose or watery droppings, Free Faecal Water Syndrome (FFWS) typically features normal droppings with water expulsion before, during, or after these droppings. While some suggest a link with colic, the symptoms of FFWS tend to be mild, yet unpleasant for the horse.
Free Faecal Water Syndrome (FFWS) can affect otherwise healthy horses and is a signal for subtle intestinal changes.
Persistent soiling around your horse’s hind legs and tail can attract flies and lead to skin irritation. In mares, there's a potential risk of vulva/vagina contamination. Consider applying a barrier to the inside of the leg to protect the skin.
A 2021 study by Laustsen et al. found no significant differences in hindgut microbiota [the collection of microorganisms within the gut] between Free Faecal Water Syndrome afflicted horses and healthy ones. Treatment with faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) provided temporary relief in some cases, but its efficacy seemed inconsistent.
Another 2021 study by Lindroth et al. linked feeding practices and nutrient composition to the likelihood of Free Faecal Water Syndrome occurring. Results suggest specific feeding regimens may influence syndrome development, however there is need for further research.
What causes Faecal Water Syndrome in horses?
Despite extensive research, the exact cause of Free Faecal Water Syndrome (FFWS) remains unknown, and can lead to challenges in treatment due to conflicting study results and the need for further research.
FFWS is believed to stem from various factors, including abrupt forage changes, feeding wrapped forages like haylage or silage, mycotoxins in the diet, stress (social, physical), and potentially predispositions such as the sex and breed of your horse.
Has your horse been checked for dysbiosis?
Dysbiosis in horses is characterised by a significant imbalance in intestinal microbiota, which can lead to colitis, laminitis, and colic due to disruptions in their gastrointestinal health and function.
It is unknown whether dysbiosis plays a role in FFWS and further studies are needed to clarify this.
What is the social rank and gender of your horse?
How do you treat Faecal Water Syndrome in horses?
Managing Free Faecal Water Syndrome (FFWS) involves applying a multifaceted approach aimed at supporting gastrointestinal health and reducing symptoms.
10 key strategies include:
1. Evaluate your horse’s fibre and nutrient intake
Assess the type of fibre and other nutrients in your horse's diet that can support gastrointestinal function.
2. Slowly implement dietary changes
Introduce dietary changes slowly to prevent gastrointestinal upset and allow your horse’s digestive system to adapt.
3. Feed your horse a high-fibre diet
Dietary fibre consisting of hay, can support colon health, microbiota, and gut water retention, which is essential for your horse’s intestinal integrity.
4. Feed your horse a low-starch diet
Starch can lead to acid production, dysbiosis, and inflammation in the colon, which can worsen FFWS symptoms for your horse.
5. Experiment with different forages
Trying different forages and formulations can potentially optimise gastrointestinal function. A good time to offer forages is when there isn’t enough outdoor space for grazing and your horse in the stable.
6. Offer your horse prebiotics, probiotics and digestive aids
Prebiotics, probiotics, live yeast, and digestive aids can support your horse’s gut health and help manage FFWS symptoms more effectively.
7. Manage and protect your horse from social stress
You can reduce aggressive interactions between horses by providing refuge areas to minimise social stress.
8. Keep your horse off lush pasture
Lush grass can worsen FFWS in some horses, so tailored management is needed depending on how your horse responds.
9. Regularly book dental check-ups
Regular dental check-ups can address poor dentition, which tends to hinder effective fibre chewing, which can also contribute to FFWS.
10. Monitor pasture conditions to keep your horse safe
Keeping an eye on pasture conditions and managing good feeding practices can protect your horse from ingesting soil and the risk of toxicity associated.
What do you feed a horse with FFWS?
Firstly, you will need to consult your veterinarian and/or equine nutritionist if you suspect that your horse has gastrointestinal issues. They can support you in developing and implementing a tailored feeding plan to start effectively managing FFWS.
Key recommendations encompass maintaining a forage-based diet, gradually introducing dietary changes, limiting carbohydrate-rich meals and dividing daily feed into smaller meals.
The addition of digestive supplements such as probiotics, prebiotics and fibre and binders may help support the horse’s gastrointestinal tract.
Overall, this guide is here to provide you with the essential support needed to navigate Free Faecal Water Syndrome (FFWS), in terms of understanding the characteristics, potential causes, and effective management strategies.
A basic understanding of horse gastrointestinal health and a tailored diet can help support all round gut health.
Proactive collaboration with your vet or equine nutritionist, along with the outlined strategies, can help put you on the right track to managing FFWS in your horse.
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