What You Need to Know About Enteroliths in Horses

Hey there, horse lovers! Let’s talk about something that might sound a little weird but is really important if you’ve got a horse in your life—enteroliths. You might be scratching your head thinking, “Entero-what now?” But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. By the time we’re done, you’ll know all about these strange little stones that can cause big problems in our beloved equine friends.

So, What Exactly Are Enteroliths?

Imagine this: Your horse has a little rock forming in its tummy. Sounds strange, right? Well, that’s basically what an enterolith is—a stone that forms inside a horse’s intestines. These aren’t just any stones, though. They’re made of something called struvite, which is a fancy word for a mineral mix that builds up over time.

These stones can get pretty big and, if left unchecked, might cause some serious trouble. If one of these stones gets stuck in your horse’s intestines, it can be really painful and even dangerous. So, it’s something we definitely want to avoid.

Why Do Enteroliths Happen?

Now, why on earth do these stones form in the first place? Well, there are a few reasons:

1. Diet: Horses that eat a lot of alfalfa hay are more likely to get enteroliths. Alfalfa is rich in magnesium and protein, and too much of that can lead to stone formation. Who knew, right?
2. Where You Live: Believe it or not, where your horse lives can make a difference. Horses in places like the southwestern United States are more prone to enteroliths. It has to do with the minerals in the soil and water there.
3. Genetics: Just like some people are more likely to get kidney stones, some horses are more likely to get enteroliths. It might be something they’re born with.
4. Colon pH Levels: The environment inside your horse’s colon matters too. If it’s too alkaline, it can create the perfect spot for a stone to form.

How Do You Know If Your Horse Has Enteroliths?

Okay, so how can you tell if your horse has one of these pesky stones? It’s tricky because the signs can look a lot like other stomach issues. But here are a few clues:

• Colic That Keeps Coming Back: If your horse seems to get colic over and over, and it doesn’t go away with the usual treatments, it might be an enterolith.
• Not Interested in Food: A horse that’s usually excited for mealtime but suddenly isn’t? That’s a sign something could be wrong.
• A Bloated Belly: Sometimes, your horse’s belly might look puffed up because gas is building up. That could be from a blocked intestine.
• Feeling Sluggish: If your horse seems extra tired or just not themselves, especially during these colic episodes, it could be due to an enterolith.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call the vet. They might need to do some X-rays to see what’s going on inside.

What Can Be Done?

If your vet finds an enterolith, surgery is usually the way to go. Yes, it sounds scary, but the good news is that horses generally recover well after the stone is removed. It’s important to follow all the post-op care instructions to make sure your horse bounces back as quickly as possible.

How Can You Prevent Enteroliths?

Now that we know what enteroliths are and how they form, let’s talk prevention. Here are some tips to keep your horse safe:

1. Watch That Diet: Try to limit the amount of alfalfa hay your horse eats. Mixing in more grass hay can help keep those stones from forming.
2. Add Some Variety: Giving your horse a balanced diet that includes grain or bran can help keep their colon’s pH level where it needs to be.
3. Clean Water: Make sure your horse always has access to clean, low-mineral water. It’s a simple step, but it can make a big difference.
4. Regular Vet Visits: Regular check-ups can help catch problems early. If your horse is prone to enteroliths or has had them before, it’s especially important to keep an eye on things.

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10/26/2026 09:36 am GMT

The Bottom Line

Enteroliths might sound like something out of a science fiction story, but they’re very real and can cause serious issues for horses. The good news is that with the right care and a little bit of knowledge, you can help prevent them. Keep an eye out for the signs, stick to a healthy diet, and don’t forget those vet visits. Your horse will thank you for it!

So, there you have it—a crash course on enteroliths. Now you’re in the know, and that’s one more way to keep your horse happy and healthy.