Family Pet Tips – Treatment And Prevention Of Equine Sand Colic

• Tweet
• Pin It

Each year, 10-11% of the horse population will suffer from equine colic. Colic in horses refers to an intense abdominal cramping and can stem from many different sources – anything from sand accumulation to a twisted colon. Symptoms of colic include such things as rolling, pawing, biting, refusing food, diarrhea and lethargy. Sand colic occurs when horses accidentally take in fine sand, grain and silt with their hay – and is also one of the most common causes of abdominal discomfort that may lead to more serious problems. If caught in time, then there’s a good chance of recovery, although prevention remains the best cure. It is said the equine colic is the #1 horse killer, so it’s nothing to be taken lightly.

The danger is that large sand deposits can cause irritation in the system and inflammation of the colon or intestinal tract. Over time, imagine the horse’s colon as a knapsack of sand, pulling downward but corralled around the other organs, eventually twists or pivots under the weight. In addition to impaired mobility and colic pain, the horse will suffer a reduced absorption of water and nutrients through the blocked intestinal walls.

If the horse is already displaying chronic signs of colic, then you may want to take the horse right to a veterinarian. There, they will check the abdomen with a stethoscope to listen for colon contractions. A more expensive procedure used to detect equine sand colic, known as a radiograph, may be performed in some cases, which will show sand deposits as bright components in a clinical x-ray. For extremely ill horses, exploratory abdominal surgery can be done.

The best way to prevent sand colic is to ensure that your horse is not eating off the sandy or dusty ground. Provide a feed bag, trough or feeding mat, if possible. Give the horse plenty of water, daily rigorous exercise and a scoop of psyllium with its feed. If your horse has been treated for symptoms of colic before, then monitor manure and water intake. If the horse doesn’t drink enough, then try flavoring the water with 2 tablespoons of salt, 1/8 cup of molasses, 1 can of frozen apple juice concentrate, carrot juice or Gatorade. Some horses respond well to a bran mash composed of 2 cups of wheat bran, 1 gallon of warm water, garnished with apple pieces, molasses, salt or applesauce for added flavor. This will provide your horse with nutrients, as well as hydration, in a tasty format. Try to avoid grain for several days, since hay is preferred once the signs of colic are presented.