Supplementation and Intestinal Health

The Use of Bio-Sponge® in a Clinical Setting

Research performed in adult horses and neonatal foals, as well as through in vitro trials, indicates that Bio-Sponge® (Di-Tri Octahedral (DTO) smectite) is an effective tool for support in patients with a variety of conditions including adult horses with antibiotic-induced colitis, endotoxemia, post-operative diarrhea, pathogenic bacterial overgrowth, and in foals with foal heat scours.

Nutritional Solutions to Support Your Patients

See our recommended Platinum Protocols for common equine conditions and injuries.

Condition Products Protocol
Overall Wellness
  • Platinum Performance® Equine or
    Platinum Performance® CJ
 Administer 1 scoop of Platinum Performance® Equine or Platinum Performance® CJ BID.
Colic Sand Impaction
  • Platinum Performance® Equine
 Administer 2-6 scoops of Platinum Performance® Equine BID.
Diarrhea (Chronic)
  • Platinum Performance® Equine
  • Bio-Sponge®
  • Platinum Balance®
 Administer 1 scoop of Platinum Performance® Equine BID, 1 scoop (4oz) of Bio-Sponge® BID and 2 scoops of Platinum Balance® BID
Colic (Post Surgical)
  • Platinum Performance® Equine
  • Platinum Balance®
  • Bio-Sponge®
 Administer 1-8 scoops of Platinum Performance® Equine BID depending on clinical and post-colic needs, 2 scoops (6g) of Platinum Balance® BID. For High Risk Post-Operative Diarrhea: Administer 1/2 scoop (2oz) or 1 syringe (60cc) of Bio-Sponge® BID.
Colitis/Enteritis (Antibiotic and Stress Induced)
  • Platinum Performance® Equine
  • Bio-Sponge®
  • Platinum Balance®
  • L-Glutamine
 In cases of Mild-Moderate Colitis: Administer 1 scoop (4oz) of Bio-Sponge® Powder or 2 syringes (60cc) of Bio-Sponge® Paste BID or TID. Administer 1 scoop of Platinum Performance® Equine BID and 1 scoop (6g) of Platinum Balance® BID.
In cases of Acute (Moderate-Severe) Colitis: If no gastric reflux, initially administer 1-2lbs of Bio-Sponge® Powder mixed in 4-6 liters of water by stomach tube followed by 1 lb of Bio-Sponge® mixed with 3 liters once every 6-8 hours until the diarrhea resolves. Amount can be decreased for less severe cases. Add 1 scoop (6g) of Platinum Balance® BID and 1-4 scoops of L-Glutamine BID to tube feeding. Discontinue if there is no noticeable improvement after 7 days of use.
(Note: 1/2 scoop (2oz) of Bio-Sponge® Powder = 1 (60cc) syringe of Bio-Sponge® Paste.)
Diarrhea Prevention (Antibiotic Induced)
  • Platinum Performance® Equine
  • Bio-Sponge®
  • Platinum Balance®
 Administer 1 scoop of Platinum Performance® Equine BID, 1/2 scoop (2oz) of Bio-Sponge® Powder or 30cc-60cc Bio-Sponge® Paste BID or TID while on antibiotics and 2 scoops of Platinum Balance® BID.
Diarrhea Prevention Endemic Farm (Prophylactic Support for the Newborn Foal)
  • Bio-Sponge® Paste
 Following adequate intake of colostrum 6–8 hours after the foal first nurses the mare, administer 30cc of Bio-sponge7reg; Paste BID for 4–5 days.
Diarrhea (Foal Heat Scours)
  • Bio-Sponge®
  • Platinum Balance®
 Administer 30cc of Bio-Sponge® Paste or 3 tablespoons (27.6g) of Bio-Sponge® Powder mixed with 30cc of water 2-3 times daily. Discontinue use 1 day after intestinal disturbances resolve. To support digestion, administer 1/2 scoop (3g) of Platinum Balance® BID.

SID = 1 time daily, BID = 2 times daily, TID = 3 times daily.​

The Science Explained

What is Bio-Sponge®?

Bio-Sponge® (DTO smectite) is an organo mineral that is highly adsorption-efficient when placed in proximity to organic cations. Bio-Sponge® has an immense surface area which, along with its inner-layer micropores, is negatively charged and strongly and efficiently attracts organic cations. Bio-Sponge® provides a non-drug means of aggressively capturing and neutralizing bacterial endotoxins and exotoxins before they can escape the intestine and reach the circulatory system to cause systemic effects.

  • Effectively binds Clostridium difficile toxins a and b and Clostridium perfringens enterotoxins
  • Supports horses experiencing diarrhea after colic surgery
  • Supports neonatal foals experiencing the harmful effects of microbial overgrowth and toxin production

In-Practice Application

  • Include DTO smectite supplementation in the veterinary care of adult horses with acute colitis
  • Supplement adult horses and foals affected with diarrhea with DTO smectite to support gastrointestinal health
  • After an adequate volume of high quality colostrum has been ingested, supplement with smectite to support the gastrointestinal health of foals on farms with a history of endemic Rotavirus or Clostridium difficile and perfringens.

The Science Behind the Supplements

White Papers

DTO Smectite for the Intestinal Health and Well-Being of the Horse

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DTO Smectite for the Intestinal Health and Well-Being of the Foal

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Maintaining and Optimizing Gut Health

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Platinum Performance® Product Flyers

Intestinal Support Category Flyer

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Answers, Recommendations and Support

Our Advisors are trained experts in equine nutrition who can answer tough questions, but most importantly, they care deeply about the health of your patients and are dedicated to providing your clients with the best service possible. Call today 800-553-2400.

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