Psyllium

Mechanism

Psyllium and the psyllium husks of Plantago ovata contain strongly swelling mucilages (arabinoxylans) that form a viscous gel with water in the gut. From this the traditional applications to support intestinal passage and to bind sand are derived. The evidence for reliable sand removal in the horse is limited and inconsistent: positive clinical reports mostly stem from high-dose application, often administered via nasogastric tube within a veterinary treatment of sand accumulations, and cannot be readily transferred to low-dose preventive feeding. An adequate water intake is a prerequisite, since the material only works in the swollen state.

Cautions

• · Adequate water intake is mandatory — effective only when swollen
• · Risk of oesophageal obstruction (choke) with too little water or dry administration
• · No healing promise in sand colic — suspected sand accumulation/colic must be clarified by a veterinarian

Sources