Gastrointestinal health and proper digestion are paramount to equine health, soundness, and performance. The concept of the gastrointestinal microbiome has become a cornerstone in many research projects on health in people, and we are not too far behind in making the same connections with horses.
A dysbiosis is essentially an imbalance in the bacterial populations present within the gastrointestinal tract. There are likely hundreds, if not thousands, of different species of bacteria, yeast, and protozoa that ideally live in harmony and assist with food digestion and nutrient assimilation. Throw this population out of balance and health can be impaired on many levels.
The two main phylum of bacteria that are noted in the research is Firmicutes and Bacteriodetes, which encompass many other bacterial species and strains. The exact balance between these two groups is unknown and can vary from individual to individual. The Firmicutes phylum includes lactic acid bacteria, Streptococcus species, Lactobacillus, and many others. What has been demonstrated in human and equine research is that when the Firmicutes group tends to dominate, problems begin in the gut, which can then transfer to the rest of the body.
Dr. Tom Schell of Nouvelle Research, Inc., has been investigating this dysbiosis since 2014 and notes that the condition is present in many horses, not just those afflicted with laminitis or metabolic type conditions. The dysbiosis has been noted in Thoroughbred racehorse populations, dressage athletes, hunter/jumper breeds, and many others. The imbalance of the microflora is also noted in conditions impacting the joints, tendons, allergies, performance issues, ulcers, and even bleeding or EIPH. Equine research has mainly focused on the dysbiosis being present in laminitic and metabolic patients, but Dr. Schell believes it extends much further.
The dysbiosis or imbalance, when present, not only impacts proper digestion and nutrient absorption but creates localized inflammation and leakiness of the gut wall on a local level. This then transfers systemically to the horse with potential to impact the immune response and systemic inflammatory response. Considering how the inflammatory response is linked tightly with almost every health and lameness condition, it is not hard to make a connection with gut health.
Up until now, researchers have relied on DNA testing of fecal samples, plotting out general populations of bacteria in a given sample. This testing has been restricted to research projects and is offered on a limited basis by University laboratories. It is helpful, but limited in access for most individuals and veterinarians.
For the past 4 years, Dr. Schell has been culturing feces from horses individually, using isolated culture media to gather results on specific populations. Through the years he has gathered enough data to determine not only a trend but has also simplified the culture methods. Currently, Dr. Schell is culturing equine fecal samples focusing on specific groups of bacteria and determining their levels, compared to a set 'normal' population of horses. His focus is on Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), which includes Streptococcus strains. In addition, he has been culturing other potentially harmful bacteria, including Coliforms (E.coli) and Salmonella.
When the LAB counts are high, based on his past testing, this often indicates that a dysbiosis is present. In some cases, the dysbiosis has become so severe in nature that more harmful bacteria dominate and increase in number, which includes Clostridia, Salmonella, and E. coli species. These are commonly noted in cases of enteritis, colitis, and other cases of endotoxemia in the horse.
Offering a Solution
After 4 years of culturing equine feces, Dr. Schell is now making this testing available to horse owners outside of his research setting.
"I feel it is an important tool to use not just in the laminitic patient, but in many that continue to struggle with a health ailment or even poor hoof growth. Such a high percentage of horses demonstrate this dysbiosis in our research, that it is concerning. This dysbiosis is a risk factor, just as in humans, that puts the average horse at risk of further health compromise," states Dr. Schell.
Equine fecal cultures are now being offered by Dr. Schell in his laboratory for purposes of identifying the risk factor if present. The ultimate question then comes as to how to best manage these cases, if the problem is noted.
Based on Dr. Schell's research, there are many factors linked back to the dysbiosis with diet and stress topping the list. Along with those, there are also influences of medications, environment, and other ongoing health ailments.
One key solution which appears to be aiding many equine patients is an herbal approach, which Dr. Schell will release later this month along with his current research data.
"Seeing the problem in the horse is one thing, solving it is another", adds Dr. Schell, "We can manage contributors but not every horse responds and we need further support. One solution which is very promising is a combination of 4 herbs, which are based on human research data. When using this combination in our research patients, the dysbiosis often is re-balanced within 14 days or less. As a result, we then see clinical improvement in the patient, along with increased hoof growth and even body condition. It is really remarkable and interesting to see."
Equine fecal cultures are now being offered by Nouvelle Research and are directly performed by Dr. Schell in his laboratory. Considering the major ramifications of an imbalanced gastrointestinal microbiome and overall health in the horse, it is a test which may yield more clues regarding the bigger problem.
For more information on Equine Fecal Cultures, please visit:
https://nouvelleresearch.com/index.php/product/equine-fecal-dysbiosis-culture
To inquire further, please contact Dr. Tom Schell via email at tschelldvm@gmail.com
Nouvelle Research, Inc. is the manufacturer of the Cur-OST line of curcumin based equine supplements that target the inflammatory response. Dr. Tom Schell has been an avid researcher of inflammation, applying and conducting research with the goal of developing new options to help maintain health in the horse. For more information please visit our website at www.curost.com or by calling 1-800-476-4702.