Evaluation of Fecal Sand Clearance in Horses With Naturally Acquired Colonic Sand Accumulation With a Product Containing Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Psyllium.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined probiotics, prebiotics, and psyllium formula in the elimination of sand buildup from the colons of horses, a common problem that causes health issues. While both the treated and control groups saw a significant reduction in sand accumulation, the study found no significant difference between the results from the two groups.

Objective of the Study

• The research primarily aimed to assess the effectiveness of a combined probiotics, prebiotics, and psyllium treatment in clearing naturally accumulated sand in the horse’s colon. Sand accumulation in horses’ intestines can cause chronic health problems like colic and persistent diarrhea and is often approached with dietary management changes and psyllium treatments.

Methodology

• The study design was a randomized, placebo-controlled, and blinded clinical trial. Ten horses with evident sand accumulation in their colons, verified through auscultation and abdominal radiography, were chosen for the study.
• The chosen horses were divided into two groups. One group underwent management changes and received the probiotic/prebiotic/psyllium supplement, while the other group faced similar adjustments but without the supplement treatment.
• The researchers used blind observers to assess the changes in colonic sand content quantitatively.
• Every three days for a span of 35, fecal samples were taken to examine the rate of sand excretion through fecal sand sedimentation analysis. The sand content was also measured by abdominal radiography carried out before and after the treatment phase.

Study Results

• Both treatment and control groups exhibited a significant reduction in colonic sand.
• However, the study didn’t identify any significant difference between the probiotic/prebiotic/psyllium treated group and the untreated group in terms of clearing out the colonic sand when measured by fecal sand sedimentation and quantitative radiography.

Conclusions

• While both management adjustments and supplement treatment significantly reduced accumulated colonic sand in horses, the use of the combined probiotics, prebiotics, and psyllium supplement appears to have no additional benefit over management adjustments alone. Further research may be necessary to investigate other potential benefits of the supplement.