Changes

Bulk laxatives such as Psyllium are widely used to assist in the movement of sand. A mixture of Psyllium mucilloid and water is administered directly into the stomach via a nasogastric tube. This treatment is continued for up to a week until all sand is fully removed from the colon. Intravenous fluid therapy may be beneficial in increasing the fluid content of the impacted ingesta.

Bulk laxatives such as Psyllium are widely used to assist in the movement of sand. A mixture of Psyllium mucilloid and water is administered directly into the stomach via a nasogastric tube. This treatment is continued for up to a week until all sand is fully removed from the colon. Intravenous fluid therapy may be beneficial in increasing the fluid content of the impacted ingesta.

If the impaction is large or non-responsive to medical treatment, surgery may be indicated. A colotomy along the pelvic flexure is the most commonly performed procedure.  

If the impaction is large or non-responsive to medical treatment or analgesia, surgery may be indicated. A ventral midline exploratory coeliotomy is peformed and the sand is removed via a pelvic flexure enterotomy. Post-operative complications such as ileus, peritonitis and endotoxaemia are relatively common due to the abrasive nature of sand.

Prevention of recurrence is important; horses should be fed from buckets to prevent further ingestion of sand. Water should be freely available and plentiful. Horses should not be allowed access to over-grazed pasture. High fibre diets such as hay are recommended.  

Prevention of recurrence is important; horses should be fed from buckets to prevent further ingestion of sand. Water should be freely available and plentiful. Horses should not be allowed access to over-grazed pasture. High fibre diets such as hay are recommended.