Disclaimer
The Information contained below has been researched through numerous resources.
We post only information that has consensus and as such is only general in nature.
We strongly suggest you perform more in depth independent research if you have any concerns regarding your horse’s health
Equine Colic (abdominal pain)
Names
Preface
Colic is a serious ailment that if left untreated can lead to death.
If you suspect your horse may have colic you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
A proper and quick diagnosis is very important.
Do Not begin any treatments until you have talked to your veterinarian.
Causes
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Over Eating
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Heavy meal before exercise
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Ingestion of sand if ground fed
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Sudden Diet change (eg.switch to grain)
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Consumption of Moldy feed or poor quality hay
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Turnout on lush wet spring pasture
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Feeding or Watering before cooling off after exercise
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Parasitic load especially strongyles
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Hay containing Blister Beetle
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Water deprivation or warm stagnant water
Symptoms Mild to Moderate Colic
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Pawing the ground
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Looking around at Belly
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Restlessness
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Sweating
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Lack of Appetite
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Stamping Hind Feet.
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Lying Down
Symptoms of Severe Colic
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Violent ground pawing or kicking
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Sweating profusely while inactive
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Muscle tremors or straining
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Bloated in the belly
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Appears Drawn up
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Lies down & gets up frequently
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Has few or no gut sounds
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Rooling on the ground & lying on back
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Sitting on haunches like a dog
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Has elevated or below normal temperature
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Elevated heart rate
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Increased respiration rate
Treatments & Prevention
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Contact your veterinarian at first sign of Colic
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lots of clean fresh water unless overheated then small sips of lukewarm water
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parasite control program
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only use processed grains and not all at one feeding
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avoid sudden changes in diet or exercise
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feed good quality forages free of mold, noxious weeds, foreign matter or insects such as blister beetle
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provide daily exercise
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check teeth routinely and minimize stress
