How to Diagnose a Colicking Horse

Colic is the number one cause of death in horses aside from old age. Though there are different types of colic, all boil down to serious abdominal pain caused by the blocking and consequent swelling of the horse's digestive tract. In some cases, colic passes quickly and easily; in others, even surgery cannot save the horse. The key to saving your horse's life is catching the onset of colic early.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Watch your horse's behavior. Colicky horses often seem very agitated. They will nip and/or kick at their bellies and flank area, paw the ground, lie down and not get back up, or lie down and roll.

2. Note your horse's bowel movements. Has your horse pooped recently? Has your horse passed gas recently? The absence of droppings and passing of gas often indicates colic. Profuse diarrhea may also indicate a twisted gut.

3. Listen to your horse's abdominal area (just press your ear up to her belly if your horse is okay with this). You should be able to hear "normal" gut sounds, or continual digestive sounds. Decreased frequency or complete absence of such sounds could be serious and may imply colic.

4. Take your horse's vital signs. Often, a colicky horse will exhibit: a heart-rate of 50 or more; a respiratory rate of 30 or more; labored breathing; sweating without a fever; bluish gums.

5. Consider your horse's surroundings and eating habits. Is the horse eating off a highly dusty or sandy surface? Is there any evidence of moldy hay? Does your horse lack sufficient and clean water? Has your horse had a sudden change in diet or feeding schedule? All of these conditions increase risk of colic.

6. Call your veterinarian immediately if your horse is expressing any of the above symptoms. Have your observations ready to report, including the horse's vitals. Your vet will be able to give you a more accurate diagnosis.

Tips & Warnings

• Halter your horse as soon as possible upon noticing the symptoms of colic. If you allow a horse to roll, it risks twisting its intestinal tract, which requires surgery and often still results in death. Keep your horse walking, and offer drinks of fresh water until the veterinarian can complete a check-up.
• Prevent colic by making sure the horse has access to, and drinks, plenty of fresh water; feeding on a regular schedule; changing a horse's diet very gradually; offering the best quality hay and feed; discouraging the "bolting" of food (eating a large amount of feed in a very small amount of time); allowing horses plenty of exercise; deworming horses regularly.
• Handle a colicky horse with care. Although your horse may not intend to harm you, exercise caution, as the horse may try to lie down and roll--even violently roll--without any regard for your presence.

Resources

• Find horse information at Equisearch.com.
• Read horse articles at Ultimatehorse.com.

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