06/05/2026
Cooler weather can equal impaction season!!!
It is not uncommon to see an increase incidence of impactions in late autumn and winter likely due to decreased water intake.
Sometimes sand impactions cannot be corrected with drenching alone. This horse unfortunately developed a secondary displacement of his large bowel and required emergency surgery on Sunday evening. When a section of the intestine becomes overly heavy, it can easily move out of place. If drenching is not resolving an impaction within 24-48hrs or we become aware that the intestine has displaced (by ultrasound) then surgery is required.
Some tips to help reduce the chances of impactions is to feed psyllium periodically if you have sandy or gravely soil, wet down your horses feed if they are not good drinkers and make sure they have enough salt in their diet especially as they adjust to the cooler weather. You can also add oils to their diet depending on their current weight.
