My friends horse consumed a thick produce rubber band

Hello, I was visiting my friend who has 2 great horses. When I visit I like to bring them a little treat other than the grass or hay they always graze on. Last time I brought some apples today I brought some carrots.  What happened was without me or my friend knowing, a produce rubber band fell out of the bag, I didn't see nor my friend when we looked over one of the horses picked up the rubber band and started chewing on it, my friend tried to open his mouth to get it out but the horse had swallowed the rubber band.  I am concerned. Can you let me know what could happen and what I can do? I will forward your responses to my friend who I am sure may be concerned about his pet as well. Thanks so much for your response--Cloudburst99

[jb41799]

Hi Cloudburst!  How big was the rubber band?  I would imagine if it wasn't too large it should just pass like normal.  If your friend is worried and it hasn't passed at this point, a fiber flush is probably a good idea.  Simply mixing metamucil with oil then forcing this down the horses throat with a tube.  This should help him pass anything he has in his system.  This also works well if they've ingested too much sand, etc. and you are worried about colic.  Hope it all works out for you and your friend!

[cloudburst99]

Thanks for your help jb! The rubber band was about (unstretched) 3/8-1/2" high, about 1&1/2" long and about 1/16" thick, Stretched I would say about 5 or six inches long.  Enough to attach about 1/2 dozen good size carrots.  I just emailed my friend for a report and don't know what the condition of his horse is.  I am very concerned because what I understand about horses aside from being very complicated animals, in many ways they are very fragile.  
I'll let you know what happens.  
Best wishes,
Cloudburst99

[cloudburst99]

Hi jb, my friend's horse is ok and a happy camper. Thanks for your help, it did ease my mind------best wishes,
cloudburst99

[jb41799]

Glad to hear!!!