Prevention of Sand Colic

Horses contract sand colic when sand builds up in their intestinal tract. The colic can be a minor issue causing low-grade pain when the accumulated sand prevents blood flow to the intestine. In more severe cases though, the buildup can cause a blockage which proves fatal if the intestine bursts. Fortunately, there are methods you can take to reduce your horse's sand intake and eliminate the possibility of sand colic.

  1. Feeding Techniques

    • Making some changes in the feeding habits of your horse can drastically reduce the chance of sand colic occurring. Try to feed the horse at ground level, because horses are meant to eat with head hung low and deviation from this could lead to colic. Using feeders surrounded by rubber mats will help to prevent the horse from spreading the feed around in the dirt. You should also only allow your horse to feed in pastures where grass in plentiful. Spilt up your horse's meals, allowing it at least two meals a day, and keep fresh, clean water readily available.

    Salt Blocks and Toys

    • Horses that eat lots of dirt, a direct cause of sand colic, are often found to have a salt deficiency. With that in mind, you should provide your horse with salt blocks. They can chew on these to alleviate this tendency to eat dirt. Boredom can also cause horses to eat dirt. Providing the horse with toys, such as tires or other rubber chewable materials or even an empty milk jug dangling in the stall, can keep your horse active and out of the dirt.

    Active Prevention Methods

    • In some cases, it's impossible to completely remove the possibility of the horse ingesting dirt. In such cases, you can feed your horse something on a regular basis that will aid in preventing sand from building up in the gastrointestinal tract. Such foods include psyllium or beet pulp, each of which contain an indigestible fiber that will help to clean out the area, thus helping to prevent sand colic.