How to Treat a Colicky Horse
Colic is the term used to describe any form of abdominal pain in horses. The causes of colic are numerous-gas, an obstruction, parasites or sand and the symptoms of colic are as varied as its causes. Some horses sweat, roll or thrash violently, while others just paw, look at their abdomen and pace. Colic is the number one killer of horses. Any abdominal pain should be taken seriously. Read on to learn more.
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Instructions
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Know your horse's normal vital signs-respiratory rate, pulse and temperature-so you can compare them when your horse is showing signs of distress. An easy way to do this is to take your horse's vitals several times over a week and then average them together. Write this average down on a note card and slip it into your first-aid box for safe keeping.
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Implement good barn management to prevent colic is better than treating it. Always feed your horse quality hay and grain and make sure he has fresh, clean water at all times. Institute a rotational or daily de-worming regimen and establish a regular routine for exercise, turnout and feeding.
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Call your veterinarian immediately if your horse starts displaying violent signs of colic. Time is of the essence and it is important that you act quickly when dealing with colic. Every horse has a different threshold for pain, and some horses will act violent even if his colic is mild.
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Try to prevent your horse from rolling; though this isn't always possible. If he will stand quietly while you wait for the vet, let him. Walking a colicky horse is just a way to attempt to distract them from rolling or thrashing about. If you have to walk your horse don't do it if your horse is falling over from exhaustion, that won't help his colic and will just stress his body more.
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Remove any hay, feed and/or water. If the colic is caused by an obtrusion or impaction in the digestive tract you don't want to be putting more food or water in his system. So even if your horse is willing to stand and munch grass quietly-don't let him.
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Talk with your vet about administering a soft muscle-relaxer such as Banamine, or in cases where your horse is thrashing violently, a tranquilizer like Acepromazine. Banamine will relax the soft muscles of the digestive track and can relieve much of the pain associated with colic. It is especially beneficial in cases of gas or spasmodic colic.
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Take note of your horse's behavior and monitor his vital signs as you wait for the vet to arrive. Look at the color of his gums and mucus membrane. Check his stall or corral to see if has defecated recently. These are all things your vet may ask you about when she arrives.
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Speak with your vet about all of your horse's options after he has performed a preliminary exam. Most vets will take your horse's vital signs, perform a rectal exam to check for impaction and scope your horse. The most common treatment from colic is to flush the digestive track with mineral oil, water and electrolytes. Your vet may also administer more Banamine and a pain killer. Severe cases of colic can require surgery.
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