The Signs That a Horse Has Colic

Colic is a potentially fatal condition in a horse's digestive system. One common cause of colic is when a horse swallows too much sand with grass. The sand then builds up and blocks off part of the intestine. Other common causes are worm infestation, overfeeding, not drinking enough water or a sudden change in the horse's diet.

First Signs

Usually, the first sign of colic in horses is that they will turn their heads to look at their bellies. Other initial signs include restlessness, stamping, trying to kick or bite their bellies and trying to roll.

Next Signs

According to The Ultimate Horse Site, other early signs of colic include higher pulse rate than usual, sweating, inability to urinate and passing very small, dry feces.

Other Signs

Depending how the individual horse reacts to pain, these signs can vary from groaning, labored breathing, not being able to pass feces, sitting up on the hindquarters like a dog, trembling and eventually not being able to stand.

Warning

One can hear gurgling and rumbling of a normal digestive process by putting one ear on the horse's side. In the most severe form of colic, obstructive colic, the horse's belly will be silent.

Time Frame

Colic needs to be treated as soon as possible. If the horse is gently walked for 15 minutes and the symptoms do not ease, contact a veterinarian immediately.

References

• "The Complete Equine Veterinary Manual"; Tony and Marcy Pavord, MRCVS; 2004)

Resources

• The Horse and Hound: The Facts About Colic
• The Ultimate Horse Site: Colic in Horses
• Colic: What Is It?

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