The Hidden Stones Inside Horses: How Enteroliths Grow Undetected In The Equine Colon

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120 – January/February, 2026

By Sarah Welk Baynum

Enteroliths are a lesser-known condition in horses, and both their formation and the signs they cause can vary widely. These stones inside the horse’s gut can develop quietly over years, growing from just a few ounces to several pounds before ever causing noticeable trouble.

Many horse owners were recently surprised to learn just how large these stones can become after the AAEP shared striking photos on social media of enteroliths surgically removed at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. The images sparked a wave of online conversation, especially among owners who had never heard of enteroliths–or didn’t realize how common they can be.

In this article, we’ll explain what enteroliths are, how they form, how veterinarians diagnose and treat them, and what horse owners can do to help reduce the risk.

Enteroliths Explained: 
What They Are and How They Form

Click here to read the complete article
120 – January/February, 2026