As we move into autumn here in Western Australia, it’s a good time to reassess your horse’s health and management. Seasonal changes can quietly bring new risks, and many conditions tend to present or worsen during this time of year. Two important areas we commonly focus on during autumn are sand burden and ACTH testing for Cushing’s disease (PPID).

At Perth Equine Hospital we often see an increase in certain issues as paddocks dry out, feed changes, and horses spend more time eating closer to the ground. A little preventative attention now can make a big difference to your horse’s comfort and long-term health.

Sand Burden: A Common Autumn Problem

One condition we see far more frequently during late summer and autumn is sand accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract, often referred to as sand burden.
Horses grazing on sandy soils can easily ingest sand while eating short pasture, hay fed on the ground, or feed placed directly on sandy surfaces. Over time, this sand can accumulate in the large colon and begin to cause problems.

Sand irritation can lead to a range of digestive issues including:

• Recurrent or mild colic
• Loose manure or diarrhoea
• Poor body condition
• Reduced appetite
• Decreased performance or general discomfort

Sometimes horses show very subtle signs at first, which can make the issue easy to miss until the accumulation becomes significant.

Why Early Detection Matters

The challenge with sand burden is that it often builds up gradually. By the time clear clinical signs appear, there may already be a considerable amount of sand present in the gastrointestinal tract.

At Perth Equine Hospital we have seen a noticeable increase in horses requiring hospitalisation for sand treatment, particularly during this time of year. Many of these cases could potentially have been detected earlier with routine monitoring.

The gold standard for diagnosing sand accumulation is abdominal radiography (X-rays). Radiographs allow us to clearly visualise whether sand is present in the colon and assess how significant the accumulation is.

While manure sedimentation tests can sometimes provide clues, they are not always reliable. Radiographs provide a far more accurate assessment and help guide the most appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment for Significant Sand Accumulation

If a significant sand burden is identified, horses may require hospital treatment to safely remove the sand from the gastrointestinal tract.

This typically involves:

• Hospital admission for monitoring
• Daily nasogastric drenches designed to help move sand through the digestive system
• Careful hydration and dietary management
• Ongoing monitoring of gut function and comfort levels

The drenches often contain agents that help bind sand and assist its passage through the colon. Because this process needs to be carefully controlled and repeated daily, hospitalisation allows us to monitor progress and reduce the risk of complications.

In some cases, repeat radiographs are used to track how much sand has been cleared before the horse returns home.

Preventing Sand Burden

While not every case can be prevented, there are several management strategies that can significantly reduce risk:

• Feeding hay in raised feeders or rubber mats
• Avoiding feeding directly on sandy ground
• Ensuring horses have access to adequate fibre
• Using psyllium supplementation when appropriate
• Monitoring manure for signs of sand
• Investigating any recurring mild colic episodes early

Autumn is an ideal time to review feeding practices, particularly for horses on sandy paddocks.

Autumn Is Also the Ideal Time to Check ACTH Levels

Another important health consideration during autumn is testing ACTH levels to screen for Cushing’s disease, also known as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID).

PPID is a common hormonal disorder affecting older horses, particularly those over 15 years of age, although it can occur earlier.

In autumn, horses naturally experience a seasonal rise in ACTH levels. This seasonal change actually makes it the most sensitive time of year to detect early PPID, which is why veterinarians often recommend testing during this period.

Signs of Cushing’s Disease

Early signs of PPID can be subtle and may include:

• Changes in coat shedding
• A longer or curly coat
• Increased drinking and urination
• Loss of topline or muscle condition
• Reduced performance
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Recurrent laminitis

Because these signs can develop gradually, routine blood testing can be extremely valuable in identifying the condition before more serious complications occur.

Why Early Diagnosis Is Important

Early diagnosis of PPID allows for timely treatment and management, which can significantly improve a horse’s quality of life.

Treatment often involves medication to regulate hormone levels along with adjustments to diet and management. Horses diagnosed early can often continue to live comfortable and active lives for many years.

For older horses in particular, autumn ACTH testing is an important part of preventative health care.

Supporting Your Horse Through Seasonal Change

Autumn is a great time to take a proactive approach to your horse’s health. Simple checks and preventative care can help identify issues before they become serious.

If your horse is grazing on sandy paddocks, has had unexplained colic episodes, or if you simply want peace of mind, radiographs can provide valuable information about potential sand accumulation.

Similarly, if your horse is getting older or showing any subtle changes in coat, weight, or behaviour, ACTH testing is a simple blood test that can provide important insight into hormonal health.

We’re Here to Help

At Perth Equine Hospital our team is always happy to discuss seasonal health concerns and preventative care for your horse.

If you would like to book a sand check, discuss radiographs, or arrange ACTH testing, please contact the clinic to speak with one of our veterinarians.

Early detection and proactive care can make all the difference in keeping your horse healthy, comfortable, and performing at their best through the seasons ahead.