Vet Tips for Sand Elimination in Horses 2025 🐎🏜️

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Colic is one of the most common and concerning issues in equine health—and one particular type, known as sand colic, is increasingly seen in regions with sandy soils. Horses that graze or are fed directly off the ground in sandy areas are at higher risk of ingesting sand, leading to digestive issues, inflammation, and serious impaction. 🐴

In this 2025 vet guide, Dr Duncan Houston outlines the causes, symptoms, prevention, and most effective treatment protocols for sand accumulation in horses. Learn how to use proven solutions like psyllium and Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) safely to support your horse's gastrointestinal health. 💊🌿

1. What is Sand Colic? 🤔

Sand colic is caused by the gradual accumulation of sand or dirt in a horse’s colon. It is a type of impaction colic, where the foreign material irritates the bowel lining and slows down movement, leading to pain and potential blockages.

Common in coastal or arid areas, sand colic often goes unnoticed until the horse shows signs of mild, recurrent discomfort. Over time, this can lead to more severe colic episodes that require emergency intervention. 🚨

2. How Do Horses Ingest Sand? 🏜️

Horses typically pick up sand when:

• 🌱 Grazing on overgrazed or sandy pastures
• 🍽️ Eating hay or grain directly off the ground
• 💦 Drinking from sandy water troughs or puddles

Even small amounts of sand consumed regularly can accumulate and form a harmful mass in the colon. Prevention starts with understanding risk factors in your environment. 🕵️‍♂️

3. Signs of Sand Accumulation 🚩

Early detection of sand colic is key. Look for:

• ⚠️ Mild, recurrent colic episodes
• 💩 Diarrhea or loose manure with gritty texture
• 🎯 Reduced appetite or weight loss
• 🎵 Sand sounds (“swooshing”) when tapping the abdomen
• 🧪 Positive sand sediment test from manure

4. Diagnosing Sand in the Gut 🩺

Veterinarians can diagnose sand impaction through:

• 🔬 Fecal sedimentation test (manure + water in a clear bag)
• 📸 Abdominal radiographs (X-rays)
• 👂 Auscultation—listening for sand movement sounds

Sand shows up on X-rays as distinct lines or shadows, allowing for an accurate assessment of severity and monitoring treatment progress. 🖼️

5. Treatment Options for Sand Elimination 🧹

Dr Duncan Houston explains that treatment involves administering substances that help bind and flush out the sand. Two commonly used options are:

🌿 Psyllium

• A natural fiber derived from the plant *Plantago ovata*
• Forms a gel-like substance that traps sand and moves it out via the gut
• Commonly available in pellet or powder form

🧂 Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulfate)

• Has a laxative effect—draws water into the intestines and speeds up transit
• Often used alongside psyllium to enhance sand removal

6. Research Findings: What Works Best? 🧪📊

A study conducted in Finland evaluated the effectiveness of psyllium, Epsom salts, and a combination of both. Horses with confirmed sand accumulation were divided into three groups:

• Group 1: Psyllium only
• Group 2: Epsom salts only
• Group 3: Psyllium + Epsom salts

🏆 Result: The combination group had the most significant decrease in sand levels on X-ray scans. This confirms that a dual-therapy approach is often the most effective for clearing sand from the colon. 💯

7. Treatment Protocol & Dosage 💊

⚠️ Important: Always consult your vet before administering high doses. The following is for informational purposes:

Veterinary Protocol (under supervision):

• 🧪 1 lb (0.45 kg) psyllium powder via nasogastric tube
• 🧂 1 lb (0.45 kg) magnesium sulfate via nasogastric tube
• 💧 Administered once daily for 3–5 consecutive days

Maintenance Supplement (at home):

• Psyllium husk: 100–150 g/day per 500 kg horse
• Feed for 7 consecutive days/month or as advised

8. Preventing Sand Ingestion: Smart Feeding Tips 🍽️

• 🥕 Feed in tubs or rubber mats—never directly on the ground
• 🚿 Keep water sources clean and elevated
• 🪵 Provide slow-feed hay nets in stalls or dry lots
• 🌾 Avoid overgrazed sandy paddocks

Routine psyllium supplementation can help prevent small accumulations from becoming problematic. Prevention is far cheaper than treating impaction colic. 💸

9. Risks & Cautions ⚠️

• ⚠️ Horses with kidney disease may not tolerate high magnesium doses
• 💊 Do not use human psyllium products (like Metamucil) unless unsweetened and pure
• 🧪 Do not exceed recommended doses—can cause diarrhea or electrolyte imbalance

If your horse shows signs of colic, always call your veterinarian immediately. Never attempt aggressive treatments without supervision. 🩺

10. Summary Table: Sand Colic at a Glance 📋

11. Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston 💬

Sand accumulation is a preventable but serious threat to your horse’s digestive health. With the right management, feeding practices, and monthly gut-cleansing routines, you can protect your horse from costly and painful episodes of sand colic. 🐎

Want help creating a custom feeding or prevention plan? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📲 for direct access to equine care experts and 24/7 support tailored to your horse’s needs.

— Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc