Free Fecal Water (FFW) syndrome is a condition in which horses produce normal manure, but before, during, or after defecation there is presence of watery faeces which can cause local irritation and sore skin. Although often concerning for horse owners, it is not associated with infectious causes of diarrhoea, however factors that are suggested to play a role in FFW are:
- Stress
- Diet
- Dentition
- Low grade gut inflammation altering the gut microbiota
It has been seen that up to 65% of horses with FFW experience signs of colic, bloating, and irritation when voiding faeces. Some horses respond well to dietary management with free-choice hay, while others benefit from diets consisting of chaff, chopped hay, or hay pellets.
Some horses require additional nutritional support and may improve with the addition of psyllium husk or salt. Supplements can also contain clays such as kaolin, which acts as a binder, and herbs such as chamomile and mint, which are traditionally used to support digestive comfort and help maintain normal gut function.
Our unique blend, FirmUp, contains kaolin alongside Tellicherry Bark and Beleric Myrobalan. These herbs are frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine to support digestive health and help maintain firm, healthy droppings.
FirmUp and Psyllium Husk can be used separately or in combination as part of the nutritional management of Free Faecal Water Syndrome. Chamomile and Mint can also be fed to support digestive comfort and promote a calm, settled gut, particularly in horses where stress may be a contributing factor.
Paying close attention to forage, feeding practices, and digestive health can make a real difference to horses with FFW. Supplements such as Firm Up, Psyllium Husk, Chamomile and Mint may provide valuable support as part of a holistic approach to maintaining healthy digestion and normal droppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is free faecal water syndrome in horses?
Free faecal water syndrome (FFWS) is when a horse passes normal, formed faecal balls alongside separate watery fluid, either before, during or after defecation. The watery fluid can run down the hind legs and tail, sometimes causing skin irritation.
Is free faecal water the same as diarrhoea?
No. With free faecal water syndrome, the horse's main faecal balls are generally still well formed, with water being passed separately. Diarrhoea involves loose or watery faeces themselves. If your horse develops true diarrhoea, particularly if it is persistent or accompanied by other signs of illness, veterinary advice should be sought.
What causes free faecal water in horses?
There is currently no single confirmed cause of free faecal water syndrome. Possible contributing factors include diet and forage, changes in management, stress, gut function and individual differences between horses. More research is needed to establish exactly why some horses develop the condition.
Can a horse's diet cause free faecal water?
Diet may play a role in some horses. Reviewing forage quality and quantity, feeding routines and recent dietary changes can be useful when managing FFWS. Dietary changes should be introduced gradually, and the horse's overall diet should be assessed to ensure it is balanced and provides adequate fibre.
How can I manage free faecal water in my horse?
Management will depend on the individual horse. Reviewing forage, maintaining a consistent feeding routine, providing adequate fibre and reducing potential stressors may help. Some horses respond positively to dietary changes, although there is no single management approach that works for every horse.
Can free faecal water cause sore skin?
Yes. The watery fluid can run down the hindquarters and legs, causing staining and potentially irritating the skin. Keeping the area clean and dry and using an appropriate protective barrier can help protect the skin.
Should I speak to my vet about free faecal water?
If free faecal water is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by changes in appetite, weight, behaviour, manure consistency or other signs of illness, speak to your vet. A veterinary examination can help rule out underlying health problems and determine whether further investigation is appropriate
Blog by Jo Holt MRCVS
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