Malabsorption Syndrome is a "breakdown" in the digestive system’s ability to assimilate food into essential nutrients. This digestive condition involves the small intestine and related organs; primarily the spleen/pancreas system, liver, and biliary tract. The effects of this “breakdown” include the “unhealthy” absorption of carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, water and electrolytes. As a result of this malabsorption, dysfunctional patterns are set in play in any or all of these systems; protein production and synthesis, bile and digestive enzyme secretion, the regulation of “body” water and sodium, the immune system, hemoglobin and the healthy size and shape of a red blood cell.
Indicative Signs & Symptoms
- Heavy, bloated "hay belly”
- Edema (water swelling) of the legs, chest, rump – more pronounced in hot and/or humid weather
- Weight loss, chronic muscle “wasting”
- Loose stools
- Dull, depressed appearance
- Fatigue, lack of desire to move
- Intermittent abdominal pain
- Generalized skin issues
- Arthritis
- History of EMS, Cushing's Syndrome, IR, or Laminitis
Given a horse is unable to assimilate the nutrients from food, there are a number of ways the resulting deficiencies will become evident. Horses with Malabsorption Syndrome rarely display all of the listed signs and symptoms but any one of these may point to this dysfunction. One horse may appear obese due to generalized edema whereas another horse may be profoundly undernourished to the point of “wasting away”. It is very likely that one of the following forms of anemia will be present: pernicious, macrocytic, or microcytic anemia. A mild to a severe immune “weakness” is also quite likely due todeficiencies of a number of leukocytes (white blood cells). The degree to which a horse may have “water swelling”, malnutrition, muscle wasting, anemia [by severity and type], or immune deficiency, will vary from horse to horse.
Protein abnormalities and sodium excesses are common with Malabsorption Syndrome and can create what is referred to as “hemoconcentration” which gives rise to “viscous” blood in the vessels. The increase in blood viscosity can intensify the risk of an acute laminitic event especially when partnered with a dietary trigger containing carbohydrates, proteins, and/or fructans.
Our Nourish Digestion Solution is formulated to take care of the root issue which is to restore the digestive system’s ability to assimilate food into essential nutrients and return healthy intestinal absorption. Because Nourish Digestion treats the Malabsorption Syndrome, and not the symptoms, your horse’s weight will regulate naturally.
Herbal groups are included to assist with associated problems such as edema, loose stools and anemia while your horse’s digestive function is returning to health. As this Solution was formulated to nourish the digestive system and steadily assist in the recovery organic function, results will take time to become evident.
The hematology, immune, and electrolyte aspects of the Malabsorption Syndrome can only be assessed through a precise analysis and interpretation of a complete and thorough blood work profile of your horse.
This herbal combination is safe for brood and lactating mares as well as foals.
Dosage – Twice daily until one month after the presenting signs and symptoms are completely gone. Three times daily for horses with extreme symptoms, e.g. malnourishment with "ribbiness" or muscle wasting. If it has been determined, through blood work analysis that your horse has low leukocytes and/or anemia, give our Total Immune Health Solution along with Nourish Digestion.
