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Journal of equine veterinary science2022; 113; 103940; doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103940

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

Abstract: Dry hay (composed of grass, legumes, or a mixture of the two) provides the primary source of alimentary fiber in stabled horses with limited access to fresh pasture. However, hay can also give rise to health problems in the horse, depending on the quality and quantity of its components. Pathologies may be rooted in biological problems, such as inadequate digestion disturbances, or reflect mechanical difficulties-for example, due to the presence of sharp plant parts that irritate the oral mucosa, or due to physical intake problems that inhibit consumption. Unwanted plants in the hay may cause stomatitis and affect the oral mucosa, resulting in inappetence, hemorrhagic drooling, gingival hyperemia, edema, and ulcerative lesions, as reported in case 1 of the present study. Horse dysphagia, defined as a difficult in ingesting feed through the mouth and esophagus, is another important cause of malnutrition in the horse, and identifying the site of its origin is important in order to provide practical advice for nutritional management, as reported in case 2. Free fecal water syndrome (FFWS) is a condition where the horse exhibits 2-phase feces expulsion, with an initial solid phase followed by a liquid phase. Although the etiology of FFWS is still unknown, hay quality seems to play a key role, as the outcome of case 3 suggests. This case series highlights the importance of hay quality and of providing an appropriate and adequate fiber intake. Moreover, good hay management becomes crucial when horses are affected by contextual pathologies, such as stomatitis, dysphagia, or FFWS.
Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.
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Publication Date: 2022-03-24 PubMed ID: 35341909DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103940Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Case Reports
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

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.

Cite This Article

APA
Cavallini D, Penazzi L, Valle E, Raspa F, Bergero D, Formigoni A, Fusaro I. (2022). When Changing the Hay Makes a Difference: A Series of Case Reports. J Equine Vet Sci, 113, 103940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103940

Publication

Journal of equine veterinary science
ISSN: 0737-0806
NlmUniqueID: 8216840
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 113
Pages: 103940
PII: S0737-0806(22)00078-8

Researcher Affiliations

Cavallini, Damiano
  • Department of Veterinary Science, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy.
Penazzi, Livio
  • Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco (TO), Italy.
Valle, Emanuela
  • Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco (TO), Italy. Electronic address: emanuela.valle@unito.it.
Raspa, Federica
  • Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco (TO), Italy.
Bergero, Domenico
  • Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco (TO), Italy.
Formigoni, Andrea
  • Department of Veterinary Science, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy.
Fusaro, Isa
  • Department of Veterinary Science, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio (TE), Italy.

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Feed / analysis
  • Animals
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology
  • Deglutition Disorders / veterinary
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Horse Diseases
  • Horses
  • Poaceae
  • Stomatitis / veterinary

Citations

This article has been cited 17 times.
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