02/06/2026
Prevention is best
It’s that time of year again… sand colic season. 🌾🐴
If your horse has intermittent loose manure, faecal staining down the tail, unexplained weight loss, irritability, poor performance, or “just a sensitive stomach”, this is NOT normal.
In Western Australia, the vast majority of chronic loose manure cases we see are actually due to sand enteropathy. Sand accumulates in the large colon, causing ongoing abrasive irritation and inflammation to the intestinal lining. Many horses are mistakenly managed long term for “ulcers”, “IBD” or a “sensitive gut” while the real problem continues to build silently.
The scary part?
Some horses cope for years… until suddenly they present with a life-threatening sand impaction colic.
The good news is that abdominal radiographs are quick, non-invasive and can often identify significant sand accumulation before disaster strikes.
For approximately a $150 add-on to a routine consult or dental, an abdominal x-ray could literally save your horse’s life.
Common signs of sand enteropathy:
• Loose manure or cowpat faeces
• Faecal staining under the tail
• Recurrent mild colic
• Weight loss or poor condition
• Girthiness or irritability
• Poor coat quality
• Reduced performance
If you are concerned your horse may be carrying sand, speak to us about screening radiographs and management strategies.
Early diagnosis is far easier, and far cheaper, than emergency colic surgery.
