Comparison of the effects of enteral psyllium, magnesium sulphate and their combination for removal of sand from the large colon of horses.

This study examines the comparison of the effects of enteral psyllium, magnesium sulphate and a combination of both for the evacuation of sand from the large colon of horses. The research found that a blend of psyllium and magnesium sulphate administered once daily via nasogastric intubation for four days was more efficient than administering either substance alone.

Objective of the study

• The aim of this research was to assess the efficiency and potential side effects of administering magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), psyllium mucilloid (psyllium), and a mix of MgSO4 and psyllium for the removal of large quantities of sand from the large colon of horses.

Methodology

• 34 adult horses, naturally having a large accumulation of sand (>5 cm × 15 cm), identified on abdominal radiography, were incorporated into the study. The horses were randomly assigned into three treatment groups.
  • The first group was administered 1 g/kg of psyllium (12 horses).
  • The second group received 1 g/kg of MgSO4 (10 horses).
  • The third group was given a combination of MgSO4 and psyllium (12 horses).
• All treatments were administered once daily via nasogastric intubation for a total of four consecutive days.
• Lateral radiographs of the ventral abdomen were retaken on the fourth day of treatment.
• If the area of sand in the radiographic image was less than 25 cm² on the fourth day, the sand accumulation was deemed as resolved.

Results of the study

• Of the 12 horses treated with a combination of psyllium and MgSO4, nine successfully evacuated the sand from the ventral colon within four days.
• In contrast, of the horses treated with just one of these substances, only 3 out of 12 in the psyllium group and 2 out of 10 in the MgSO4 group had a resolved accumulation of sand in their large colon, which is less than the results from the combined-treatment group.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that large accumulations of sand in the large colon of horses can be medically treated.
• The research also showed that a combination therapy of psyllium and MgSO4 administered via nasogastric intubation once daily for a total of 4 days was significantly more effective treatment than using either substance on its own.