What are the clinical signs of sand enterocolopathy?

The clinical signs of sand enterocolopathy primarily include diarrhea, weight loss, and colic. This condition occurs in animals that ingest sand or dirt while grazing, leading to a buildup of sand in the gastrointestinal tract. As the sand accumulates, it can irritate the intestinal lining and disrupt normal digestive processes.

Diarrhea is a common sign as the body tries to rid itself of the irritant. Weight loss occurs due to malabsorption of nutrients caused by the disruption in the digestive system. Colic, or abdominal pain, may result from the blockage or irritation caused by the presence of sand in the intestines. These symptoms together indicate a serious condition that necessitates veterinary intervention to remove the sand and address the associated complications.

In contrast, options that suggest weight gain or the absence of gastrointestinal distress are not indicative of sand enterocolopathy, as the presence of sand typically leads to the opposite outcomes.