What is Sand Colic?
Sand colic is a type of colic that occurs when large amounts of sand are ingested and subsequently end up in the digestive system. Whilst occasional tiny amounts of sand can pass through the digestive system with little issues, horses cannot digest or absorb large amounts of sand. This can then cause a build up and potential blockage in the intestine.
Sand tends to accumulate at the pelvic flexure, a short, narrow, hairpin shaped loop that connects the left ventral and left dorsal colon. The anatomy of the pelvic flexure makes it difficult for blockages to pass, this will also be the most common site for impaction type colics.
Signs of Sand Colic
Sand has an abrasive texture. In the early stages, sand accumulation can irritate the lining of the colon, this can result in behavioural changes, lack of appetite, weight loss and diarrhoea. On close inspection, you may also be able to see traces of sand in droppings. If you notice any of these symptoms it is important to contact your vet and start taking measures to alleviate sand build up, failure to do so can result in colic.
Signs of active colic episode include:
- Abdominal pain
- Kicking and biting at flanks
- Changes in behaviour
- Increased temperature, pulse and respiration rates
- Lack of droppings
- Frequently lying down and standing up
- Excessive rolling
What Causes Sand Colic
Horses who graze or are fed on sandy paddocks are put at a much higher risk of developing sand colic. Drinking from natural water sources such as rivers and lakes with a sandy base can also put your horse at risk. Fields and water sources located in coastal areas are much more likely to have a sandy soil or base, for this reason cases of sand colic tend to be reported more in these areas.
Horses grazing on overgrazed paddocks are much more likely to ingest sand as they graze closer to the ground. Horses who’s appetite requirements are not being met are also more likely to engage in soil eating. Other horses may consume soil due to nutrient deficiencies, boredom and pica (a condition where horses eat non-food items).
Unsure if your horse is at risk? Many labs offer a test for assessing levels of sand in the digestive tract known as a faecal sand test. A sample of faeces is collected and dissolved in water. The sample is then left to settle overnight and the amount of sediment is assessed the following day. If a high level of sediment is found in the sample this indicates that your horse is at an increased risk of developing sand colic.
Treatment
Veterinary Intervention
Sand colic like all cases of colic is considered a veterinary emergency meaning your vet should be contacted immediately if displaying any of the symptoms. If left untreated, sand colic can be fatal. Even if your horse has not experienced an episode of colic, if they start showing signs of sand accumulation, your vet should be contacted as soon as possible and measures taken to alleviate sand build up.
Treatment will depend on the extent of the condition, anti-inflammatory drugs such as Bute are normally given to help control pain, whilst naso-gastric fluids are normally administered to help clear intestinal blockages. For very severe blockages surgery may be required to relieve this. Colic surgery will have to be carried out at a specialised veterinary hospital. As with all types of colic, the sooner treatment is administered, the greater the likelihood is of survival.
Dietary Management
Horses who graze on sandier paddocks can benefit from having psyllium husks added to their diet periodically to cleanse the gut. To carry out a monthly gut cleanse, we recommend feeding 250g of psyllium husks daily for a four day period once per month. Psyllium husk works by absorbing water from the gut and developing a gel like consistency that binds sand together, helping to flush it through the digestive system. However we don’t recommend feeding psyllium husk on a daily basis, as over time this can become less effective and may restrict nutrient absorption of other feed.
Importance of Hydration
Hydration is important for maintaining gut mobility and minimising the risk of colic. Water helps food and other matter pass through the digestive system with ease and minimises the risk of intestinal blockages. Dehydrated horses are much more likely to develop sand and impaction type colics, so it is vital that horses are always given access to clean, fresh drinking water.
How to Prevent Sand Colic
Owners should avoid grazing and feeding their horses on sandy paddocks wherever possible. If this is unavoidable, a number of measures can be taken to minimise the risk of sand ingestion.
Horses tend to pick up more sand and grit when grazing closer to the ground. During periods of poor grass growth supplementary forage should always be offered to ensure appetite requirements are being met and to prevent the ground from becoming overgrazed. Remember horses need to consume at least 1.5% of their body weight in fibre daily on a dry matter basis. If providing supplementary forage or feed in a field, this should be given on a rubber mat to reduce accidental sand intake. This rubber mat should also be cleaned frequently to prevent sand build up. Making use of rotational and strip grazing can help grass recover between grazing periods and prevent overgrazing.
Natural water sources with a sandy base should be fenced off to prevent access and an alternative water source such as an automatic drinker provided instead.
If you suspect your horse has a nutrient deficiency leading them to eat sand, we would recommend getting a forage or grazing paddock analysis carried out to determine whether or not they are receiving sufficient nutrients. Sodium deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies among horses, providing your horse with a salt lick or adding salt to their feed is a great way to overcome this.
Protecting Your Horse's Gut
Use of pre or probiotics has also been shown to help increase gut motility and sand clearance. Our B-Complete gut supplement is made entirely from dried green Australian bananas, due to its high fibre and insoluble matter content, B-Complete acts as an excellent prebiotic that can be fed on an ongoing basis to help reduce the risk of sand colic.
Find out more about supporting the gut with balancing your horse's microbiome to maintain optimum digestive health.