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.
Blog by Jo Holt MRCVS
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