Find out the horse colic symptoms and treatment
Colic in horses is a distressing condition that refers to abdominal pain.
It can have various causes, including gastrointestinal issues, obstructions, gas accumulation, or even stress.
Recognising horse colic symptoms is crucial for providing timely first aid and seeking veterinary assistance when necessary.
The information in this article is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian if your horse is showing signs of distress.
What are common signs and horse colic symptoms?
Common signs and horse colic symptoms include…
Pawing at the ground
Horses experiencing colic may paw at the ground as a sign of discomfort or pain.
Restlessness or uneasiness
Horses with colic often display signs of restlessness such as pacing, repeatedly getting up and lying down, or shifting their weight frequently.
Frequent rolling or attempting to roll
Rolling excessively or making repeated attempts to roll can indicate colic. It’s important to monitor the horse closely as rolling may lead to injury.
Loss of appetite or a decrease in feed consumption
Horses with colic may exhibit a loss of interest in food or consume less than usual. A sudden change in eating habits can be a red flag.
Kicking or biting at the abdomen
Horses experiencing abdominal pain may kick or bite at their abdomen in an attempt to alleviate discomfort.
Looking at their flank, or biting/nipping it
Colicky horses will often repeatedly look at or bit/nip their flank.
Sweating, increased heart rate, and rapid breathing
Excessive sweating, particularly in the flank area, along with an elevated heart rate, can be indicative of colic.
Absence or decrease in bowel movements
Reduced or absent manure production, along with signs of straining to defecate, may suggest a colic in your horse.
If you observe any of these signs, it’s important to take immediate action.
Horse colic treatment
How to provide initial horse colic treatment and when to contact your equine vet
To answer the last part of the question – always contact an equine vet if you suspect your horse has colic.
With horse colic treatment, most cases resolve successfully. However, they can also go bad very quickly. But, providing initial treatment for horse colic whilst waiting for your vet can help alleviate discomfort and stabilise the horse’s condition.
Here are the steps for initial horse colic treatment…
Remove access to food
If your horse is displaying signs of colic, remove any food or hay immediately. Continued consumption may worsen the condition or lead to obstructions.
Monitor vital signs
Assess the horse’s heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature. This information can be vital for relaying to the veterinarian.
Keep the horse calm
Minimise stress and movement to prevent further distress.
Allow controlled movement
Encourage your horse to walk calmly to help prevent them from rolling excessively. Controlled movement can sometimes aid in relieving mild colic symptoms.
Modern horse colic treatment however recommends not overly walking or exercising your horse during a colic attack because it can exhaust them to the point where they have nothing left in reserve to fight the colic.
If the horse is lying down quietly and just resting, the advice is to monitor closely but leave them be.
Offer water
Ensure fresh, clean water is available for the horse. Dehydration can exacerbate colic, so encouraging drinking is important.
Avoid giving medication without veterinary guidance
Administering medications can mask symptoms and make diagnosis difficult.
Consult an equine veterinarian
Contact an equine veterinarian promptly when horse colic symptoms are observed. They can provide guidance over the phone and determine the severity of the situation.
When should you call a vet for colic in horses?
While some mild cases of horse colic can resolve on their own with basic first aid measures, it’s far better to play it safe and contact your vet even with just mild symptoms.
As the saying goes – better safe than sorry! But – always involve a veterinarian in the following circumstances:
Severe pain or distress
If the horse’s pain becomes severe, with persistent rolling, violent thrashing, or inability to stand, immediate veterinary intervention is necessary.
Prolonged or worsening symptoms
If the colic symptoms persist for an extended period or worsen despite initial first aid efforts, veterinary evaluation is required.
Abnormal vital signs
Significant changes in heart rate, respiration, or rectal temperature should be assessed by a veterinarian.
Absence of bowel movements
If the horse stops passing manure or displays signs of severe constipation, it indicates a potentially serious colic episode.
Systemic illness
If the horse shows signs of lethargy, depression, or exhibits other systemic illness symptoms along with colic, veterinary attention is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions about Colic in Horses
What are the potential causes of colic in horses?
In some parts of Australia, sand ingestion is the predominant cause of colic in horses. However, colic can be caused by various factors, including gastrointestinal issues like impaction, gas accumulation, intestinal twists, or inflammation. Stress, abrupt changes in diet, inadequate water intake, and parasites can also contribute to colic.
Are there any preventive measures to reduce the risk of colic in horses?
Maintaining a consistent feeding and exercise routine, providing a balanced diet, ensuring access to clean water, and deworming according to a veterinarian’s recommendation can help reduce the risk of colic. Minimising stress and avoiding sudden changes in diet or environment are also beneficial.
When should I administer medication for horse colic, and when is veterinary intervention necessary?
Administering medications for colic should only be done under veterinary guidance. Some mild cases may respond to initial treatments like a mild pain reliever, but it is crucial to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage and medication. For severe colic or when symptoms persist, immediate veterinary intervention is necessary.
Can colic in horses be fatal?
Yes, colic can be a life-threatening condition in horses, depending on its cause, severity, and the timeliness of veterinary intervention.
What diagnostic procedures might a veterinarian use to evaluate colic in horses?
A veterinarian may perform a physical examination, listen for gut sounds using a stethoscope, conduct rectal palpation, and utilize diagnostic tools such as ultrasound or endoscopy to assess the horse’s condition.
Are there any specific dietary changes recommended for horses prone to colic?
Dietary changes should be made in consultation with a veterinarian. In some cases, altering the diet, such as increasing forage and fibre intake or dividing meals into smaller, more frequent portions, may help reduce the risk of colic.
Key Takeaways About Colic In Horses
Colic in horses is a serious condition that requires prompt attention.
Recognising the signs and symptoms of colic enables early intervention, while basic first aid measures like removing food, monitoring vital signs, encouraging controlled movement, and contacting a veterinarian can help in managing mild cases.
However, it is vital to involve a veterinarian when symptoms worsen, persist, or if severe pain or systemic illness is observed.
Preventive measures, such as consistent management practices and a balanced diet, can help minimise the risk of your horse getting colic.
