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  4. Faecal Sand Test Results

Sand test results are expressed as a percentage to give a quantitative measure of any amount found. While it’s not desirable to find any sand in faeces, some healthy horses are not affected by a small amount. 

Positive tests should be discussed with your vet on a case by case basis. Together you can determine whether other symptoms such as diarrhoea/colic are also present and devise an appropriate management and/or treatment protocol.

Results may vary from sample to sample without treatment due to manure production levels, natural expulsion of sand from the intestine, location of the sand and manure consistency.

If sand is detected in the first test then the second can be used to retest the horse following management adjustments.

 

 

Level of sand seen

Treatment required

Test again when

0-2%

No

In 7-10 days with the 2nd sample in the pack

3%-4%

If 1st sample test again in 7-10 days. Consider treatment depending on clinical signs if 2ndt test at the same level.

If 1st sample test again in 7-10 days. If 2nd sample test again 14 days after treatment

5% or more

If 1st sample is higher than 5% treat with a psyllium husk product.

Repeat the test in 14 days to check it’s been effective.


It is difficult to benchmark levels and correlate between results and diseases, but for example, the Westgate herd have had levels of around 5-8% from living on track systems and/or grazing bare sandy soil and it’s not uncommon. While they didn’t show any symptoms, we treated and then tested again to check effectiveness as ideally we’d prefer it to be lower.

TEST Limitations

With the variables of gut movement it is possible for the test to generate a false negative and show no sand in the faeces of horses that are carrying a burden. For this reason we include two kits; if no sand is detected in the first sample then take a second a few days later.

If any colic issues or concerns please ensure you consult your vet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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