How do horses ingest sand?
Horses can ingest sand in various ways without you or the horse even noticing. This can happen when they are on a sand paddock, eat grass from sandy soil, or receive hay that is placed on the ground.
A healthy horse can naturally pass small amounts of sand, especially if it receives sufficient roughage and exercise. Fiber in roughage, such as hay, stimulates intestinal movement and helps carry sand out of the digestive tract. However, if your horse ingests too much sand, it may build up and no longer be eliminated naturally.
Consequences of sand accumulation
When too much sand accumulates in the intestines, it can lead to discomfort and serious health issues. It often starts with subtle symptoms such as mild colic or changes in manure. But as the accumulation increases, the symptoms can worsen, and the horse may develop sand colic, which is often characterized by severe abdominal pain and a reduced appetite. In severe cases, sand colic can lead to intestinal blockage, which can even be life-threatening.
Home sand test kit: Monitor sand accumulation at home
At Worm&Co, we’ve seen a clear increase in the number of horses with elevated sand levels in the intestines in recent years. We are regularly asked whether treatment is necessary. That’s why we developed a convenient home sand test kit, which allows you to easily test how much sand is present in your horse’s intestines.
The test kit contains everything you need to perform tests for three consecutive days and gives a clear indication of sand levels. The detailed leaflet included with the kit contains a helpful table that shows whether treatment is necessary. This makes it easy to monitor your horse’s health and take action in time if excess sand is present.
Treatment of sand accumulation with Zand&Go
If the home sand test shows that your horse has too much sand in the intestines, you can address this with our tailored sand-clearing solution Zand&Go. This unique product contains psyllium fibers, which are proven to help remove sand from the gastrointestinal tract.
Psyllium fibers improve intestinal function and soften the contents of the gut, making it easier for sand to pass. Different forms of psyllium fibers act on different parts of the intestines, ensuring effective sand removal. The mucilaginous substances in psyllium seeds bind to sand, increase the volume of intestinal content, and support smooth passage.
Tips for sand prevention
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of your horse ingesting too much sand:
Note: Do not use psyllium continuously
Although psyllium is an effective solution for sand buildup, it is important not to use it long term. Continuous use can reduce its effectiveness and may interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Only give psyllium if the sand test indicates accumulation or if your horse shows signs of sand in the intestines.
Conclusion
Sand colic is a serious problem, but with the right measures and regular sand testing, it can be managed well. Thanks to the Worm&Co home test kit, you know exactly when action is needed. And with Zand&Go, you can help your horse quickly eliminate excess sand.
Stay alert to your horse’s health and use our tools to prevent sand colic!
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