Colic in Horses: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

Colic is a term used to describe abdominal pain in horses and can arise from various causes. Johanna Habbe, an experienced horse veterinarian from Agria Vårdguide, provides insights on identifying early signs of colic and managing this common equine emergency.

Symptoms of Colic in Horses

Recognizing the signs of colic early can be crucial for effective treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite
• Scratching the ground with front hooves
• Looking at the belly
• Anxious behavior
• Rolling, sometimes violently
• Fever and sweating
• Heavy breathing, increased pulse and respiration rate

Severe colic can cause a horse to display swollen nostrils, intense sweating, and frantic rolling or thrashing. Always prioritize your safety when dealing with a horse in pain.

Always Consult a Vet

Colic is always an emergency. Contact a veterinarian immediately if colic is suspected. While some cases can be managed in the field, others may require hospitalization. Prepare for possible transportation to a veterinary facility.

Assessing Colic in Your Horse

You can perform a preliminary assessment before the vet arrives:

1. Check General Condition: Look for signs of distress and pain.
2. Listen to the Abdomen: Place your ear or use a stethoscope just in front of the groin on both sides. Normal gut sounds resemble a thunderstorm with intermittent quiet periods. Silent intestines may indicate colic.
3. Examine Mucous Membranes: Check your horse’s gums; they should be light pink. Dark red, purple, or pale gums indicate poor circulation.
4. Monitor Defecation and Drinking: Record when your horse eats, drinks, and poops. Check every 15 minutes.

Mild Cases: Try a Walk

If your horse shows mild symptoms (e.g., slight anxiety, occasional hoof scratching, brief lying down), a brisk 30-minute walk might stimulate intestinal movement. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your vet.

Remove Feed

Immediately remove all feed if colic symptoms appear. Eating can exacerbate the problem.

Veterinary Examination and Treatment

When the vet arrives, they will:

• Assess circulation, intestinal motility, and pain levels.
• Perform a rectal examination to check the intestines' condition and position.
• Probe the stomach through the nasal cavity to check for blockages and stomach distention.

Initial treatment typically involves analgesics and antispasmodics. Depending on the diagnosis, further treatment may include fluids, laxatives, and exercise. Severe cases might require surgical intervention.

While Waiting for the Vet

• Prepare hot water and towels for the vet.
• Ensure a safe area for rectal examinations.
• Have clean buckets and pallets ready for probing procedures.

Preventing Colic

Preventive measures are key to reducing colic risk:

• Provide daily turnout and regular exercise.
• Ensure a balanced diet with ample roughage and limited concentrates.
• Maintain free access to clean water, even in cold weather.
• Regularly sample stool and deworm based on test results.
• Feed smaller portions multiple times a day or offer free access to roughage.
• Gradually introduce new feed over several weeks.
• Avoid feeding on sandy soil to prevent sand colic.

Causes of Colic

Colic often originates from gastrointestinal issues but can also result from uterine inversion in pregnant mares or ruptured bladders in foals. The horse's extensive and mobile intestines (up to 30 meters long) can twist or get trapped, leading to severe colic. Intestinal parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, and bloodworms can also cause blockages and colic symptoms.

Aftercare

Follow your vet’s aftercare advice based on the colic's cause. Gradually reintroduce feed, starting with roughage. For horses starved longer, increase roughage intake by 20-25% per day. Concentrates should only be reintroduced once the horse is consuming normal roughage amounts.

By understanding and promptly addressing colic, horse owners can safeguard their equine companions’ health. For more detailed advice and horse insurance options, visit Basculeuw.com.

‍