Most horses do not have year-round access to grass pastures and are turned out in sand paddocks during autumn and winter. Intentionally or unintentionally, this causes the horse to ingest sand. If the horse ingests large amounts of sand, it can start to accumulate in the horse's intestines. This can lead to health problems such as sand colic. It is therefore important to provide horses with proper support during the autumn and winter months to prevent health issues caused by sand accumulation in the hindgut.
Eating Sand Intentionally and Unintentionally
Ingestion of sand happens regularly. Especially during autumn and winter, when horses are turned out in sand paddocks, horses can eat sand intentionally or unintentionally. For example, horses unintentionally ingest sand by eating feed directly from sandy soil. Horses grazing on low-quality and shorter grass pastures may unintentionally ingest sand. This happens because shorter grass causes horses to forage closer to the ground, increasing the likelihood of sand ingestion 1. Horses sometimes also ingest sand intentionally. The reason why horses eat sand on purpose is still unknown, but it is thought to be due to a vitamin and mineral deficiency 2. This is because sand contains minerals such as silicon and magnesium. However, this reason has not yet been scientifically proven and opinions are divided on the cause of intentional sand eating. Deliberately ingesting sand may also be due to boredom in the paddock when the horse has too little access to roughage to forage, for example.
Sand Colic
However, eating small amounts of sand is not a problem for the digestive system. Small amounts pass through the digestive system and can be disposed of through the faeces. But if the horse ingests larger quantities of sand more frequently, there is a chance that it will accumulate in the horse's hindgut 3. Sand that passes through the intestines also irritates the intestinal wall, negatively affecting intestinal motility and function 4. Irritation of the intestinal wall reduces nutrient absorption, leading to insufficient essential nutrients and potential weight loss 4. Accumulation of a larger amount of sand in the intestines also causes other health problems such as diarrhoea 5. In addition, sand accumulation may cause mild to severe colic, depending on the degree of accumulation in the intestines 5. When colic symptoms occur, it is important to call a veterinarian so the veterinarian can diagnose the condition and carry out treatment. Symptoms of sand colic include diarrhoea, weight loss, restless behaviour, fever and reduced appetite 4.
Manure Testing for Sand
In case of symptoms and signs of colic, it is important to call the veterinarian. If your horse has no symptoms and signs of accumulation in the hindgut but is often turned out on sandy soil during autumn and winter, or if you notice that your horse ingests sand, a faecal test can be performed 6. Performing this test will give you an assessment of whether there is sand in the horse's intestines that could be causing an accumulation. For this test, manure from the horse is mixed with water in a clear plastic glove. The sand sinks to the bottom of the glove, allowing you to estimate whether there is sand in the horse's digestive system. However, research indicates that this method may not be reliable, and even when no sand is visible in the glove, it is still possible for sand to be present in the hindgut 7. It is therefore especially important to implement preventative measures to avoid an accumulation of sand in the digestive system.
Prevention and Psyllium
As mentioned earlier, the accumulation of sand causes digestive health issues. When horses are turned out in sand paddocks it is important to prevent sand accumulation in the hindgut.
Prevent unintentional sand ingestion by ensuring the horse does not eat directly from sandy soil. Consider placing hay nets in the paddock or feeding troughs and buckets so that roughage and concentrates are eaten off the ground as little as possible 5. To prevent horses from deliberately ingesting sand, mineral blocks or buckets can be placed in the paddock. It is also important to provide the horse with sufficient roughage, in hay nets or through, during the day to prevent boredom or the need to look for other types of feed 8. If you want to provide horses with less energy but sufficient roughage, it is advisable to provide the horse with roughage that is low in energy and sugars.
Sufficient fibre contributes to the healthy and well-functioning hindgut of the horse. Therefore, providing the horse with sufficient high-quality roughage prevents the accumulation of sand in the hindgut. In addition, Psyllium is often supplemented to prevent sand accumulation. Psyllium Husks are fibres derived from the Plantago Ovato plant 9. When Psyllium husks come into contact with moisture, they form a voluminous gel that stimulates the peristaltic movements of the intestines, allowing sand to be discharged regularly and helping to prevent accumulation in the intestines 10. These Husks are also used as a form of treatment by veterinarians in horses with sand colic 10.
Research shows that supplementing Psyllium Husks significantly reduces the amount of sand in the intestines and therefore has a positive effect on the health and function of the horse's digestive system 11. Landes et al (2008) studied the effect of Probiotics, Prebiotics and Psyllium Fibres on the accumulation of sand in the intestines of clinically healthy horses. Pre and Probiotics are both used to support the gut and intestinal flora. Results showed that the combination of Psyllium Fibres with Pre and Probiotics significantly reduced the amount of sand in the digestive system after only four days of supplementation.
Synovium Sand-Oil 369 is a supplement, in pelleted form, which contains Omega Oils in addition to Psyllium Husks. The Omega Oils promote the swelling capacity of the Psyllium Husks, enhancing the positive effect 9. Due to the combination of Omega Oils and Psyllium Husks, a lower amount of Psyllium Husks is required to provide the necessary support. Because the pelleted form makes it easier for the horse to eat the full dosage, the product works more efficiently and effectively. It is recommended to add the supplement to the horse's feed once a month for one week to prevent sand accumulation. If there is sand accumulation in the intestines, it is advised to administer the supplement daily for one month.
In conclusion, it is essential to ensure that the accumulation of sand in the intestines is prevented while horses are outside on a sand paddock. Small amounts are not a problem, but if the horse ingests larger amounts for an extended period, this can cause health issues. Fibre is crucial for prevention, and Psyllium Fibers can be supplemented to support the digestive system and prevent sand accumulation.
References
Ciesla, A., Ignor, J., Przybylowicz, N., Pikula, I. (2011) Preliminary Researches on Sand Accumulation in the Alimentary Canal of Recreational Riding Horses. Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Zootechnica, 10(2):2.
McGreevy, P.D., Hawson, L.A., Habermann, T.C., Cattle, S.R. (2001) Geophagia in horses: a short note on 13 cases. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 71:119-125.
Arbaga, A., Hassan, H., Kasem, M., Kamr, A. (2024) Ultrasonography as an Accurate Tool for the Diagnosis of Equine Sand Colic with Special Reference to Hematological and Biochemical Alterations. Journal of Current Veterinary Research, 6(2):168-176.
Kendall, A., Ley, C., Egenvall, A., Bröjer, J. (2008) Radiographic parameters for diagnosing sand colic in horses. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 50(17):1-6.
Karadima, V., Billi, T., Tyrnenopoulou, P., Diakakis, N. (2021) Sand colic: A retrospective study of 6 cases. Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society, 72(2):2843-2850.
Kilcoyne, I., Dechant, J.E., Spier, S.J., Spriet, M., Nieto, J.E. (2017) Clinical findings and management of 153 horses with large colon sand accumulations. Veterinary Surgery, 46(6):860-867.
Niinistö, K., Sykes, W. (2021) Diagnosis and management of sand enteropathy in the horse. Equine Veterinary Education, 34(11):600-606.
Husted, L., Andersen, M.S., Borggaard, O.K., Houe, H., Olsen, S.N. (2005) Risk factors for faecal sand excretion in Icelandic horses. Equine Veterinary Journal, 37(4):351-355.
Hotwagner, K., Iben, C. (2008) Evacuation of sand from the equine intestine with mineral oil, with and without psyllium. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 92(1):86-91.
Mienaltowski, M.J., Belt, A., Henderson, J.D., Boyd, T.N., Marter, N., Maga, E.A., DePeters, E.J. (2020) Psyllium supplementation is associated with changes in the fecal microbiota of horses. BMC Research Notes, 13(459):1-6.
Landes, A.D., Hassel, D., Funk, J.D., Hill, A. (2008) Fecal Sand Clearance Is Enhanced with a Product Combining Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Psyllium in Clinically Normal Horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 28(3):79-84.
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