15 Feb Kinetic Sand and Risk of Gastrointestinal Obstruction
Kinetic sand, also sometimes known as magic sand, is a sensory or educational product for children that has become popular over the last decade. It is available to buy at almost any store that has a childrens toy section.
As kinetic sand has become a more commonplace household item, it is also more likely that pets will ingest it. Your clinic may receive calls from pet owners in regards to their dog that has ingested some of the sand, or they may present to your clinic many days later with an unwell animal.
Kinetic sand formulations are usually considered non-toxic. A standard formulation would usually contain > 90-95% sand, an additive (such as simethicone to affect the flow of the sand and give it its ‘sensory’properties) and a colouring.
Small ingestions of kinetic sand are unlikely to result in more than mild gastrointestinal signs. Large ingestions carry a risk of gastrointestinal obstruction, which may require surgical removal. In 2015, a staffordshire terrier developed a gastrointestinal obstruction after ingesting kinetic sand. You can see the report from the Herald Sun here, and the abdominal X-ray here.