How to React When Your Horse Colics

Collicing is when a horse’s stomach is hurting. Unlike humans, horses are unable to regurgitate to relieve any pain or pressure on their gut. Colic can range anywhere from a case of gas all the way to a twisted intestine. When a horse starts to colic they will show a few signs such as stop eating, paw, lie down and even begin rolling. Reacting properly can help relieve them from their pain and possibly save their life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Force your horse to his feet and evaluate his physical condition. If he refuses to eat, tries to lie back down, is breathing heavy and/or looking as his stomach administer a painkiller. The most common pain reliever used for colic is 10cc of Banamine.
2. Continue to keep your horse up and moving. Physically walk the horse on a lead and at the same time call your veterinarian.
3. Constantly be evaluating your horse’s behavior. You want your horse to show no signs of pain, you want them to defecate and to show an interest in food again.
4. Decide with the help of your veterinarian if you need the vet to come out for further assistance. Sometimes procedures such as tubing and surgery are necessary to help fix the problem.
5. Keep an eye on your horse for a few days after they have recovered from colic to make sure that they are not regressing. This is very important because pain medicine can mask the pain and colic can be deadly.