Equine Health

Case Report: Sport Horse Medicine

Sand Colic

Patient: 7 year old Arabian gelding

Current use: endurance riding

History: The owner had the horse examined for what was believed to be “tying up.” The horse had competed in an endurance event the day before and had seemed off the last 12 hours. The owner assumed it was from over-exertion, had given the horse “Bute” and turned it out in the pasture to “work out the kinks.” When the horse became more distressed and began rolling, she called for an examination.

Physical examination: On physical examination the horse was alternately depressed and painful. The heart rate was elevated, the respirations were elevated, there were no noted “gut sounds” (indications of intestinal movement), and moderate dehydration was evident. Mucous membranes exhibited a slow capillary refill time, which can indicated poor circulation and dehydration. On rectal palpation the intestines were filled with gas, but not displaced.

Diagnosis: Feces were examined and floated for sand. A large amount of sand was recovered and the diagnosis of sand colic was made.

Treatment: Because an impaction of feces and sand was suspected, aggressive medical treatment was immediately begun. The horse was hospitalized for two days on intravenous fluids and medications.

Discussion: There are many different causes of colic in horses. One of the more serious types of colic is the impaction colic. The intestinal tract of the horse can become impacted with feed. Horses needing dental work or those not consuming enough water are predisposed to this type of colic. Frequently, these types of colic can be resolved with more aggressive medical treatment, and do not need surgery to recover. Many horses eat or graze off sandy ground. Over time these horses can ingest a great deal of sandy dirt. Because the sand is heavy, it can settle in the bottom of the colon where it can accumulate. The sand can cause problems in two ways: it can cause chronic irritation to the gut and be manifested by weight loss or diarrhea, or it can cause an impaction. To prevent this type of colic, horses should be fed off the ground, have plenty of access to fresh water at all times, particularly after exertion, and if there is a history of sand problems, then psyllium treatments should be given.