Abdominal radiography in monitoring the resolution of sand accumulations from the large colon of horses treated medically.

This research studied the effectiveness of abdominal radiography in monitoring the elimination of sand accumulations from the large colon of horses through medical treatments.

Objective of the Study

• The main aim of this retrospective research was to evaluate the utility of abdominal radiography in monitoring the resolution of sand accumulations in the horses’ large colon, which were treated medically.

Study Design and Participant

• The study was implemented as a retrospective study and involved 14 horses of different ages ranging from 6 weeks to 12 years.
• These horses showed clinical signs suggestive of sand enteropathy with their abdominal radiographs demonstrating sand accumulations in the cranioventral part of the abdomen.

Procedure and Treatment Approach

• Medicinal treatment routine comprised psyllium mucilloid, along with magnesium sulphate and mineral oil as required.
• The participating horses’ sand accumulations were monitored through the use of radiography following the treatments to measure the efficiency of the prescribed medical procedures.

Key Findings

• The study uncovered that the quantity, size, and shape of the initial sand accumulations showed significant variations, hence the response to the therapy was unpredictable based on these initial observations.
• In two of the young horse cases, some of the sand was passed naturally within 2-4 days, mixing with other intestinal content, while larger accumulations disappeared within the same duration with the help of psyllium either alone or combined with mineral oil.
• Four horses demonstrated a decrease in accumulation size, but varying amounts of sand remained in the same site despite treatment for 1-4 weeks. These cases also showed signs of gastric or large colon impaction.
• Three horses had limited responses to psyllium treatment, but their sand accumulation resolved with repeated magnesium sulphate dosages, with or without the use of mineral oil.
• One horse did not show any improvement despite prolonged treatment but its sand accumulation resolved naturally while on pasture.
• Clinical improvements in the horses were not necessarily related to the resolution of sand, indicating variability in outcomes.
• It was concluded that abdominal radiography was indeed a useful method for monitoring the resolution of sand and confirming the effect of the medical treatment, addressing its usefulness in removing sand from the large colon of the horse.