When Changing the Hay Makes a Difference: A Series of Case Reports.

The research examines the impact of hay quality on horse health, emphasizing that inadequate or poor quality hay can lead to various problems like digestive disturbances and mechanical difficulties, as shown in three specific case studies examined. These problems underline the critical role of proper hay management, especially for horses affected by existing health issues such as stomatitis, dysphagia, or free fecal water syndrome (FFWS).

Hay Quality and Horse Health

• The study brings attention to dry hay, grass, legumes, or a mixture of the two, as a vital source of dietary fibre in horses, particularly those with restricted access to fresh pastures.
• However, the research points out that hay can also trigger health difficulties in horses, contingent on the quality and amount of its components. Issues can be biological, like digestion disturbances, or mechanical in nature – such as sharp plant parts irritating the oral mucosa, or consumption issues due to physical intake problems.

Case Studies and Findings

• The research discusses three case studies to elucidate its point. In the first case, it is highlighted that undesirable plants in the hay can cause stomatitis and affect the oral mucosa, causing loss of appetite, bleeding drooling, gum inflammation, swelling and ulcerative injuries.
• The second case emphasizes a condition called horse dysphagia, characterized by difficulty in consuming feed through the mouth and esophagus, leading to malnutrition. The study underscores the necessity to identify the origin of this condition to provide effective nutritional advice.
• The third case underlines a condition called free fecal water syndrome (FFWS), where the horse expels feces in two phases – an initial solid phase and a subsequent liquid one. Although the cause of FFWS is yet unknown, the quality of hay seems to play a significant part, as indicated by this case.

Key Takeaways

• The research underlines the importance of hay quality and providing a sufficient and suitable fiber intake for horses.
• It further reiterates the vital role of proper hay management, particularly in horses suffering from conditions like stomatitis, dysphagia, or FFWS.