Colic is one of the most common and potentially serious conditions affecting horses, and sand colic is a form that horse owners should be particularly aware of. While often associated with horses grazing on sandy soils, sand colic can occur in a wide range of management systems and, if left untreated, can lead to severe illness or even require surgery. Our Senior Vet Megan Cummings explains more:
What is Sand Colic?
Sand colic occurs when a horse ingests sand or soil particles which accumulate within the large intestine, particularly the large colon. Over time, this build-up can irritate the intestinal lining, interfere with normal gut function and, in severe cases, cause a blockage.
Horses naturally graze close to the ground, and small amounts of soil are commonly consumed. Problems arise when excessive quantities are ingested faster than they can be expelled from the digestive tract.
Which Horses Are Most at Risk?
Certain factors increase the likelihood of sand accumulation:
- Grazing on sandy paddocks with sparse grass cover.
- Feeding hay directly on sandy ground.
- Overgrazed fields where horses pull grass up by the roots.
- Horses kept in dry lots or turnout areas with exposed soil.
- Horses that are bored or have nutritional deficiencies, leading to soil-eating behaviour (pica).
- Young horses, which may be more inquisitive and prone to ingesting soil.
Although horses in coastal or sandy regions are often considered at highest risk, sand colic can occur anywhere that horses have regular access to exposed soil.
Clinical Signs of Sand Colic
The signs can range from subtle to severe and may develop gradually over weeks or months.
Common signs include:
- Mild, recurrent episodes of colic.
- Reduced appetite.
- Weight loss or poor condition.
- Loose droppings or chronic diarrhoea.
- Dullness and reduced performance.
- Abdominal discomfort.
- Changes in manure consistency.
More severe cases may present with:
- Persistent colic signs.
- Pawing or rolling.
- Elevated heart rate.
- Dehydration.
- Reduced manure output.
- Severe abdominal distension.
Because symptoms can mimic other gastrointestinal problems, veterinary examination is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
How is Sand Colic Diagnosed?
At Severn Edge Equine we will use several methods to diagnose sand accumulation, including:
Clinical Examination
A thorough physical examination can identify signs consistent with gastrointestinal disease or intestinal impaction.
Faecal Sedimentation Test
Mixing manure with water and allowing it to settle may reveal excessive sand particles. However, this test is not always reliable and should not be used in isolation.
Ultrasound Examination
Abdominal ultrasound can sometimes detect sand accumulation within the colon.
Radiography (X-rays)
Radiographs are often the most definitive method for confirming and quantifying sand accumulation, particularly in smaller horses and ponies.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
Medical Management
Many cases can be managed conservatively with:
- Psyllium husk supplementation, which helps carry sand through the digestive tract.
- Oral fluids and electrolyte therapy.
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication.
- Dietary adjustments.
- Increased water intake.
Surgical Intervention
In cases where a significant obstruction develops or medical treatment fails, surgery may be required to remove the accumulated sand.
Early diagnosis greatly improves the chances of a successful outcome.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
The good news is that sand colic is often preventable through careful management.
Feed Off the Ground
Use:
- Rubber mats.
- Feed bins.
- Hay feeders.
- Raised forage stations.
This significantly reduces sand ingestion during feeding.
Maintain Good Pasture Cover
Avoid overgrazing and rotate paddocks where possible. Providing adequate forage reduces the temptation for horses to graze extremely close to the soil surface.
Provide Adequate Fibre
A fibre-rich diet supports normal gut motility and helps move ingested material through the digestive system.
Monitor High-Risk Horses
Regular veterinary health checks and discussions about preventative psyllium use may be beneficial for horses living on sandy soils.
Ensure Constant Access to Water
Good hydration supports healthy digestive function and reduces the risk of impactions.
When Should You Call Your Vet?
Contact your vet immediately if your horse shows:
- Signs of colic.
- Recurrent abdominal discomfort.
- Persistent diarrhoea.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Reduced appetite.
- Changes in manure output.
Prompt intervention can make a significant difference to the outcome.
A Final Thought
Sand colic is a potentially serious but largely preventable condition. By understanding the risk factors, recognising the early warning signs and implementing practical management changes, horse owners can significantly reduce the likelihood of sand accumulation and help maintain a healthy digestive system.
If you are concerned about sand colic risk on your yard, speak to the team at Severn Edge Equine about tailored preventative strategies and monitoring for your horses. Early prevention is always preferable to dealing with a surgical colic case later on.
