This article originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of EquiManagement. Sign up herefor a FREE subscription to EquiManagement’s quarterly digital or print magazine and any special issues.When the tight junctions between the epitheleal cells become “leaky,” they can release toxins, pathogens, and antigens into the horse’s circulatory system. | Adobe Stock
The equine hindgut is home to billions of bacteria and other microorganisms, their metabolites, and genomes that play vital roles in health and disease. It’s so important, the gut is now referred to as the horse’s second brain. Research shows that altering the composition of the intestinal microbiome, referred to as dysbiosis, has far-reaching effects on equine health. While leaky gut syndrome isn’t a frequent topic of discussion when addressing hindgut issues, it can negatively affect horses’ long-term health and welfare.
A Brief Overview of Leaky Gut Syndrome in Horses
The intestinal tract lining from the small intestine to the colon is a single layer of epithelial cells linked by tight junctions. Together, the cells and tight junctions form a semipermeable barrier that regulates nutrient and water passage between the gastrointestinal tract and the horse’s systemic circulation. This barrier keeps toxins, pathogens, and antigens in the intestinal tract while allowing selective absorption of nutrients, ions, and water.
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