Neptune, a 5-year-old male pony suffering from chronic diarrhea, was treated at the equine clinic of the National Veterinary School of Toulouse (ENVT). Thanks to an abdominal x-ray, sand colic was identified. Thanks to appropriate care, Neptune is in much better health.
A patient like no other: Neptune
Neptune, a 5-year-old male pony, was taken into care at the equine clinic of the National Veterinary School of Toulouse (ENVT) for a consultation in internal medicine.
This young pony had been suffering for seven months from intermittent diarrhea accompanied by a noticeable weight loss and episodes of colic. Several treatments had already been started before his admission, including dewormers, clay, charcoal, as well as fluid therapy following colic, without notable success.
Additional tests to identify the cause of symptoms
Upon its admission, Neptune was subjected to several clinical examinations :
- a blood formula and biochemistry count;
- a measurement of fibrinogen (marker of inflammation);
- serum protein electrophoresis;
- a gastroscopy ;
- a coproscopy (stool analysis);
- an abdominal ultrasound
- Et des rectal biopsies.
An abdominal x-ray revealed significant accumulation of sand in the colon.
This phenomenon, called sand colic, can result from the ingestion of sand, due to a very sandy environment or from an eating disorder (pica) sometimes linked to a nutritional deficiency. The accumulated sand irritates the intestinal mucosa, causing chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain (episodes of colic) and, ultimately, weight loss.
An effective treatment to relieve Neptune based on psyllium and magnesium sulfate
To promote the elimination of sand, a treatment based on psyllium and magnesium sulfate was administered orally. Psyllium forms a gel in the digestive tract, encompassing the sand and facilitating its expulsion. Magnesium sulfate, by causing a call for water, hydrates the digestive contents and stimulates intestinal transit, thus reinforcing the effectiveness of the treatment.
After six months of treatment, Neptune showed signs of marked improvement. He regained good general condition, no longer showed signs of colic, and his diarrhea stopped.
A control x-ray, carried out on site, confirmed the almost complete evacuation of the sand. However, it may take several months to completely remove the remaining sand. Neptune is today a pony in much better shape, thanks to the expertise of the ENVT teams and the caring attention of its owners.
Related News :