Dry matter concentration, particle size distribution and sand presence in faeces from horses with and without colic.
Authors: Müller Cecilia E
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary This hospital-based case–control study examined 148 horses (74 with colic, 74 healthy controls) to determine whether faecal characteristics—specifically dry matter concentration, particle size distribution, and sand content—might serve as markers for colic risk or type. Using wet-sieving to assess particle sizes and standardised sand sedimentation tests on faecal samples, researchers found no meaningful differences in these parameters between colic and non-colic populations, despite careful matching for breed, age, sex and feeding practices. The sole statistically significant finding was a slightly higher proportion of medium-sized particles (0.5–1.0 mm) in horses with colic of unknown origin compared to those with identifiable mechanical causes such as impaction or torsion, though the researchers acknowledged this difference lacked biological relevance. Whilst faecal analysis alone appears insufficient for predicting or diagnosing colic, the work highlights an important gap in equine medicine: understanding how particle composition relates to digesta transit time could ultimately inform prevention strategies for specific colic types, suggesting that future research should combine faecal analysis with real-time measures of gastrointestinal motility and passage rates.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Faecal dry matter, particle size, and sand content alone cannot be used as diagnostic markers to identify horses at risk of colic
- •Standard faecal analysis parameters are insufficient to predict or prevent most types of colic; further investigation into digesta passage rates and particle composition is needed
- •Management strategies for colic prevention cannot currently be based on routine faecal testing results, supporting the need for alternative preventative measures
Key Findings
- •Faecal dry matter concentration, particle size distribution, and sand score were similar between colic and non-colic horses (n=74 each group)
- •Horses with unknown colic cause had a small but statistically significant higher proportion of particles 0.5-1.0 mm compared to impaction, torsion, or gas colic (P<0.05)
- •Breed, age, gender, and basic feeding variables were similar between colic and control groups, suggesting these factors did not confound results
- •Faecal composition parameters showed no meaningful biological differences that could distinguish colic from non-colic horses