Psyllium and Sand Colic

Colic is defined as any disruption of the normal function of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite huge improvements in the prevention and treatment of colic, it is still the number one cause of death in horses.

  1. Sand Colic

    • Sand colic results from the accumulation of sand in the intestinal tract.

    Blockage

    • Over a period of time, the buildup of sand can block the intestine completely. As food collects against the blockage, it will either push the sand through or rupture the intestine, which is always fatal to the horse.

    Cause

    • Sand enters the intestines because horses eat it. Horses lick their lips while eating, often picking up sand on the moistened lips. When eating grass, horses may pull the grass out by the roots which also introduces sand into the system. Some horses actually eat dirt, either from boredom or stress.

    Psyllium

    • Psyllium is made from the seed of the fleawort plant. It is an indigestible fiber which forms a gelatinous substance when moistened. Psyllium has been shown to entrap sand in the intestines and move it out of the horse's system.

    Maintenance

    • Psyllium is recommended as a preventative measure against sand colic. When fed in small amounts, it does not lead to weight gain nor create a nutritional imbalance with other foods. Some veterinarians recommend feeding psyllium one week out of the month instead of daily so that the intestinal organisms don't adapt and begin to digest the psyllium.