Introduction: Understanding Enteroliths in Horses 🐎

Enteroliths are a rare but potentially dangerous cause of colic in horses. These large stones form in the intestine and can obstruct it, leading to intense pain and possible colic episodes. While colic is a common issue in horses, enteroliths are a more specific condition with certain risk factors and causes. In this article, Dr Duncan Houston discusses the formation of enteroliths, the role of nutrition, and how you can adjust your horse’s diet to reduce the risk of these painful stones in 2025.

1. What Are Enteroliths? 🪨

Enteroliths are mineralized stones that form in the horse’s intestine. These stones can cause partial or complete blockages in the digestive system, leading to colic symptoms. The stones are made up of various chemicals and minerals that crystallize and build up over time in the intestines. Although the exact cause of their formation is still not fully understood, several factors are known to increase the likelihood of enteroliths developing in horses.

When these stones form, they can be extremely painful and often require surgical intervention to remove. If untreated, enteroliths can lead to life-threatening conditions like severe colic, which can sometimes result in euthanasia if not properly managed.

2. How Enteroliths Form in Horses 🧬

The formation of enteroliths is a complex process, but it generally involves the accumulation of minerals like magnesium, nitrogen, calcium, and an alkaline environment in the colon. These factors all contribute to the formation of these stones. The stones often form around small objects that the horse might ingest, such as:

• 🪶 Small rocks
• 🔩 Nails
• 💰 Coins
• 🧵 Cloth or rope fragments

Over time, these objects become trapped in the intestine, and minerals begin to crystallize around them, forming a stone-like structure. These stones can grow large enough to block the intestine, causing painful colic episodes.

3. Risk Factors for Enterolith Formation ⚠️

While enteroliths can affect any horse, certain factors increase the risk of their formation. Understanding these factors is essential for managing your horse’s diet and environment to prevent enteroliths:

• 🐴 Breed: Certain breeds, particularly Arabians, are more prone to developing enteroliths. Genetic factors may contribute to their increased susceptibility.
• 🌱 Diet: Feeding alfalfa hay has been linked to a higher incidence of enterolith formation due to its high levels of calcium, nitrogen, and magnesium.
• 🏠 Lack of outdoor grazing: Horses that spend less than 50% of their time outdoors or do not have access to pasture are at a higher risk of developing enteroliths.
• 💧 High pH environment: Horses fed a diet that increases the pH in the colon are more likely to develop these stones.

These factors all create an environment in the horse’s digestive system that is conducive to the formation of enteroliths. While some of these factors, like breed, cannot be changed, diet and lifestyle modifications can help reduce the risk.

4. The Role of Alfalfa Hay in Enterolith Formation 🍃

One of the most significant risk factors for enterolith formation in horses is the consumption of alfalfa hay. While alfalfa is a high-quality forage that is rich in protein and nutrients, it also has some properties that make it more likely to contribute to enterolith formation:

• ⚖️ High calcium levels: Alfalfa is naturally high in calcium, which can contribute to the alkaline environment in the colon and promote mineral crystallization.
• 🌱 Increased magnesium and nitrogen: These minerals, found in abundance in alfalfa, are also linked to higher rates of enterolith formation.
• 🔬 High pH of the colon: Alfalfa increases the pH of the colon, making it a more favorable environment for mineral deposition.

While alfalfa is an excellent source of nutrition, it may not be the best option for horses at high risk for enteroliths. If you have a horse with a history of enteroliths or if your horse is at risk, switching to grass hay may help reduce this risk.

5. How to Prevent Enteroliths in Horses 🌾

While you cannot eliminate all the risk factors for enteroliths, there are several steps you can take to reduce your horse’s likelihood of developing this painful condition:

• 🍃 Switch to grass hay: Grass hay is lower in calcium and magnesium compared to alfalfa, which reduces the risk of an alkaline environment in the colon and enterolith formation.
• 🌱 Ensure adequate turnout: Provide your horse with access to pasture, which allows them to graze and helps prevent obesity and digestive problems.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Monitor diet carefully: Ensure your horse’s diet is balanced and does not excessively increase the pH of the colon.
• 🏃‍♂️ Encourage exercise: Regular exercise helps keep the digestive system functioning properly and reduces the risk of intestinal issues.

By making these simple changes, you can help prevent enteroliths and other digestive disorders in your horse. Always consult with your veterinarian to develop a diet plan tailored to your horse’s specific needs and risks.

6. Early Signs of Enteroliths and When to Seek Help 🚨

It is essential to recognize the early signs of enteroliths in horses, as prompt treatment can help prevent more serious complications. Symptoms to watch for include:

• 💔 Colic: Sudden onset of colic symptoms, such as pawing, rolling, and excessive sweating.
• 🥴 Reduced appetite: Loss of interest in food or a decrease in eating may be a sign of intestinal discomfort.
• 🚶‍♂️ Reluctance to move: Horses with enteroliths may be unwilling to walk or move due to abdominal pain.

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Enteroliths can be diagnosed through imaging techniques such as X-rays or ultrasound, and early intervention is crucial to avoid complications.

7. Conclusion: Protecting Your Horse from Enteroliths 🐴🛡️

• ⚖️ Adjust diet: Switching to grass hay and managing calcium intake can significantly reduce the risk of enterolith formation.
• 🌾 Encourage grazing: Ensure your horse has access to pasture to promote natural grazing behavior and better digestion.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Veterinary guidance: Work closely with your vet to monitor your horse’s health and adjust their diet as necessary to prevent enteroliths.

By understanding the factors that contribute to enterolith formation and making appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes, you can help protect your horse from this painful condition and ensure they live a healthy, active life.

Need Help Preventing Enteroliths in Horses? Ask A Vet 📲

If you're concerned about your horse’s risk of enteroliths or need help managing their diet, download the Ask A Vet app for expert guidance. Our team, including Dr Duncan Houston, is here to help you create a tailored plan to prevent enteroliths and maintain your horse's overall health. 🐴💡