Symptoms of Horse Colic

October 04, 2015 2 min read

Symptoms of Horse ColicWe have all heard of it before, equine colic. It is extremely common in horses and can be life threatening. Colic is known as any abdominal pain in a horse that compromise the anatomy and the microflora of the horse’s gastrointestinal tract.

CAUSES OF COLIC

Colic can be caused by a number of things. Here are a few of the main causes: - High grain based diets and low forage diets - Moldy feed - Sudden change in feed - Parasite infection - Lack of water consumption (leads to impaction colic) - Sand ingestion - Long term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - Stress - Dental problems

SYMPTOMS OF HORSE COLIC

Common colic symptoms are: - Pawing - Rolling - Biting at sides - Bloating - Sweating - Distress - Uneasiness - Loss of appetite - Lack of gut sounds

TREATMENT

Since there are a number of different types of colic out there, treatment must be decided based on the type of colic so it can be corrected. You should ALWAYS call your veterinarian. They can determine the severity of the colic and decide if surgery is necessary. While you wait for your vet, you can: - Observe your horse and monitor vital signs - Listen for gut sounds periodically - Watch for the passing of feces - Remove all access to feed - Let the horse rest, however if the horse is rolling, walk him so the twists do not get any worse - Do not administer any medication without your vet’s approval.

PREVENTION

Once you have figured out the cause and have treated the colic, prevention measures are rather self-explanatory. - Keep your horse fed on a regular schedule - Do not make any sudden changes in feed - Keep a fresh water supply readily available - Keep hay and grain free of mold – if it is moldy, throw it away! - Get your horse’s teeth checked periodically - Make sure at least 50% of your horse’s diet is forage - Keep feed off the ground to avoid sand ingestion - Worm your horse regularly to avoid parasite infestation


Also in Blog

Edema in Horses: Causes + Treatment
Edema in Horses: Causes + Treatment

March 31, 2023 3 min read

Edema in horses is the accumulation of fluid somewhere in their bodies, most commonly in their legs (commonly known as “stocking up”) or in their lower abdomen. Edema is different than inflammation and, in rare cases, can become malignant and even fatal. Read on to learn about common forms of edema in horses and what you can do to help.
Natural Wound Care for Dogs with Essential Oils
Natural Wound Care for Dogs with Essential Oils

March 23, 2023 2 min read

Essential oils are an excellent natural home remedy for wounds or your dog’s irritated skin. However, not all essential oils are safe to use around or on dogs. Make sure you know what is helpful and harmful before using any essential oils on your dog.
What is a Normal Heart Rate for a Horse?
What is a Normal Heart Rate for a Horse?

March 16, 2023 2 min read

Hearts are an amazing thing in all animals. A constantly working muscle, the heart, pumps blood throughout the body to sustain life. The horse’s heart is a well-oiled machine—the heart’s efficiency results in a super athlete.