Colic in the Stomach

Colic is relatively common in horses. Colic is a general term that indicates that the horse has abdominal pain. According to the Stable Close Equine Practice, only 10 percent of colic cases are life-threatening. However, colic can become worse without treatment, so it is important to begin treatment immediately and contact a veterinarian if symptoms are severe or if they worsen.

Symptoms

There are many possible symptoms when a horse has colic. In mild colic cases, horses may show anxiety or restlessness, roll frequently, paw at the ground and look or bite at its abdomen or flanks. In more sever cases of colic, the horse may roll more violently, begin sweating and have abdominal distension. Other symptoms include decreased bowel movements, lack of gut sounds in the digestive tract and increased pulse rate.

Causes of Colic

According to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, the most common cause of colic is intestinal parasites. Parasites can reduce blood flow to the intestines or cause impaction of the digestive tract. Horses can also get colic from consuming large amounts of sand, which will block the intestines. Colic can also be a side effect of certain medications or of other conditions, especially lameness. Stress can also be a contributing cause of colic. One of the most serious and life-threatening causes of colic is a twisted intestine.

Dietary Causes of Colic

A horse's diet can also be a cause of colic. Ingesting moldy feed or feed contaminated with toxins or poisons can cause an obstruction or damage the intestines. Other causes include a sudden change in feed or excessive feeding of high-energy feed. When a horse consumes a foreign object, such as wood or nails, a major obstruction can occur. Also, colic can be caused when a horse fails to drink enough water.

Treatment

When a horse presents with symptoms of colic, it is important to determine the severity of the colic. In mild cases, remove food and water and prevent the horse from rolling, which can lead to a twisted intestine. The University of Kentucky states that walking a horse with colic will help relieve anxiety and help to restore normal bowel movements. In severe cases, or if mild colic has not improved after 30 minutes, veterinary treatment may be required. A veterinarian may administer mineral oil to help lubricate the digestive tract of the horse. In some cases, surgery may be required.

Prevention

According to the Oklahoma State University, there are many simple practices that can help prevent colic. Since a horse's diet is one of the main causes of colic, it is important to feed horses on a regular schedule and always check that the feed is fresh and mold-free. Be sure that the horse has access to plenty of water and check stalls and paddocks to be sure that they are free of any foreign materials that a horse may eat. It is also very important that the horses be on a consistent deworming program. It is also important that the horse get regular exercise.

References

• Stable Close Equine Practice: What is colic?
• University of Kentucky: Colic in Horses
• Oklahoma State University: Understanding Colic in Horses
• Oregon State University: Preventing and Treating Colic in Your Horse