Enteroliths are intestinal stones that form within the colon and can obstruct the intestine, resulting in colic. They can form as the result of many factors, including certain diets, breed predisposition, and/or management practices, but it is not well understood why some horses develop enteroliths and others do not.

Why do horses get enteroliths?

High mineral intake. The risk of developing enteroliths increases when a horse's diet includes high levels of minerals. A diet based primarily on alfalfa hay, which is lower in fiber and higher in minerals than grass hay, has long been known as a risk factor for enteroliths.

What is Enterolithiasis?

Enterolithiasis or formation of gastrointestinal concretions is an uncommon medical condition that develops in the setting of intestinal stasis in the presence of the intestinal diverticula, surgical enteroanastomoses, blind pouches, afferent loops, incarcerated hernias, small intestinal tumors, intestinal kinking from ...