I think this is an endurance related topic. So here goes..
I believe it is spelled correctly "enterolith" -- try searching archives with
that spelling or look for "stones.
1) Have you tried the lump of manure sample (before it hits the sandy ground
- pick a piece off the top of the pile) in a baggie/jar of water test? The
sand will settle at the bottom after you shake it up. This will give you a
rough idea about the progress of your psyllium treatments.
Note: I was giving one cup of psyllium for 7 days straight/month with their
treats. A week later, Doc Tomlinson could still hear swooshing sand sounds.
He recommended two cups, 7 days straight/month. Have to admit that I upped
it to 2 cups but haven't listened with my own stethoscope nor have I done the
baggie/water test. Blind faith? Wasting money?
?? Does it matter if the psyllium is wetted ahead of time??? ... for those
of you who believe this works to prevent sand colic.
2) Have you tried buying ($$$) rubber mats to go under her feeder? Helps
with the mud too.
3) Doc Connelly says that we have the problem here out west because of the
alkalinity in the soil and water. Wheat bran is suspected of possibly
contributing to enterolith growth (its kind of like a piece of sand in pearl
formation in a clam)... so he does not recommend feeding too much of wheat
bran on a regular basis. Also, then, trying to change the pH (acid-base
balance) in some part of the gut may help prevent the enteroliths from
forming. You might find some posts on feeding apple cider vinegar (and my ?
post on feeding oranges - never got an answer by the way) to promote a
slightly more acidic environment.
That's, I think, all I know about this. Colic cases in the winter are
higher I've heard because the horses don't like to drink really cold water.
But if you're hearing sand....
I feed a little loose salt/electrolytes every day to encourage them to drink.
Hope the horse gets better.
Melody - who will try to use her stethoscope and do poop in baggie tests
more.