Fecal Sedimentation:
The Search For Sand
 Equine

Indications for performing this procedure:  In cases of suspected equine intestinal impaction or sand enteropathy, the attending clinician may decide to perform a sand sedimentation test.  


The Procedure: After performing a rectal palpation,  4-6 fecal balls are retrieved.  The obstetrics sleeve is then inverted over the fecal balls, filled with water, and mixed to form a fecal slurry.  The sleeve is then suspended undisturbed for several minutes to allow the heaviest particles to settle. After adequate settling, the fluid and lighter particles are poured off, leaving the heaviest particles to be examined for sand content. 


Analysis of the results:  It is common to find a minor amount of sand in a horse's feces, while defining what is considered excessive is a somewhat objective judgment.  One author has suggested that >1 teaspoon of sand per 6 fecal balls is indicative of excessive sand accumulation, but the amount considered "normal" will vary from region to region.  Thus, the most important thing a clinician can do to diagnostically use the results of a sand sedimentation test is to know how much sand is present in clinically normal horses in their area.


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