SAND COLIC?

[StinkiPinki]

Hi all,

my young horse was pacing his stable last night (normally hes very quiet) and exhibiting mild colicky signs, when i checked him this morning he was fine but had what looked to be a large sandy area on his hindleg and hoof(where you would normally expect a poo stain to be!!)
I keep my horses at home on greensand soil and have never had a problem in 8 years with sand colic (or any colic) and was just wondering if any one had any similar experiences or suggestions..

Thanks
SP

 

[merlinsquest]

Try a course of sand out .... that will sort it out.

 

[Cuffey]

Yes Psyllium should sort the problem
It may be necessary to repeat--but not sure at what interval
Clearly young horse is taking in sand with grass
Perhaps offer a free access salt lick
good luck

 

[GreedyGuts]

Put some poo disolved in water in a plastic bag and let it settle. If you get sand accumulating at the bottom then it is potentially the problem.

 

[Hoppa]

Hiya,

Unfortunately got a lot of experience of sand colic.

Psyllium is the main ingredient in most sand-out type supplements. But its a lot cheaper and the horses seem to eat it more readily. My local tack shop sell it (sandy area) but you can get on the net. Should feed dry and make sure water available.

Some horses will live on sand forever and never get sand colic. Its dependant on a lot of factors, especially how they eat. One of my boys who is a poor doer will eat right down to the roots because he is so greedy and ingests a lot of sand.

Greedy guts is right, you can see the sand sink to the bottom of a glass jar if you dissolve some poo. However, its best to do this whilst giving a sand-out product as this helps the sand actually pass out of the gut. Some horses will show no sand in poo, but have a serious build up within the gut.

Once a horse has sand colic, they have demonstrated that they are prone to it. Prone horses should have 1 week of sand-out every 4. Other horses kept on sand, can go a bit longer say every 6 weeks. Dont give it everyday as it loses effectiveness.

Youngsters exhibit worse signs generally as they are young and not equipped to deal with pain, most likely to charge around and thrash about.

First signs are diahorrea and gas, in my experience this can show up to a week before actual colic signs. So take it seriously then. Early treatment, a good heavy dose of psyllium 3 times a day, cut out cereals to help ease digestion.

Sand colic can become impacted easily, so as with other colics, keep them up and walking. And always call a vet if you see deterioration. It can become critical very quickly.

Finally. don't assume sand colic just because you are on sand. Any number of things can cause similar symptoms, including a heavy worm burden.

I hope it all all goes ok x