09/25/2026
🏖️What is Sand Colic?
Sand colic occurs when a horse ingests sand, dirt, or gravel that accumulates in the large intestine. Over time, this buildup can cause irritation, inflammation, weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and potentially life-threatening intestinal blockages.
🤔Common Causes:
Feeding hay or grain directly on dirt or sandy ground
Boredom
Pica (a behavioral condition where horses repeatedly eat non-food items)
🩺Signs & Symptoms:
Pawing at the ground
Rolling or flank watching
General abdominal discomfort
Visible sand or grit in manure
Chronic diarrhea
Sudden weight loss
Poor performance or lethargy
Fever
How We Diagnose It:
🩻Abdominal Radiographs (X-rays): This is the preferred diagnostic method. X-rays provide a clear visual of how much sand is trapped in the gut, and repeat X-rays confirm when the blockage has completely cleared after treatment.
💩 F***l Sedimentation Test: A low-tech, economical test using a stall glove and water to check for sand passing through the GI tract. (Note: While it confirms sand is passing, it cannot measure how much sand remains stuck inside the intestine).
👨🏻⚕️Treatment: Large, frequent doses of oral psyllium fiber helps to remove sand from the large intestine. While psyllium is a key ingredient in many commercial supplements, over-the-counter options like Metamucil are also effective options. Because many horses refuse to eat psyllium voluntarily, hospitalization and administration via a nasogastric tube may be required. Treatment length varies depending on severity.
Prevention Tips:
✅Never feed hay or grain directly on bare ground.
✅Always use rubber mats, feed bins, or elevated feeders.
✅Keep feeding areas clean and free of loose dirt and sand buildup.
📸 Case Spotlight (Take a look at the radiographs): Check out these before-and-after radiographs from a recent patient! He presented with severe colic pain, and examination revealed a massive sand impaction in his large intestine. Fortunately, this sweet guy actually loved eating his psyllium, making his recovery smooth and successful!💕🐴