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How to Know If a Horse Has Colic

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By Alicia Bodine
eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)
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Horse
Susanna Altarriba

Colic is a serious illness in horses. It is important that horse owners are able to recognize the symptoms of colic so that they can get their horse treated as soon as possible. Since colic refers to any type of abdominal problem, there are a few major symptoms to look for.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Get a list of colic symptoms from your vet. You should go over them and keep them in a file for reference in the future. If you think you see any symptoms you can check back with the list and then contact the vet right away.

  2. Step 2

    Notice if your horse seems to be wandering around aimlessly. The horse may even walk into fences. This symptom is a result of the horse's pain and discomfort. It isn't sure how to get rid of the pain, but can't be still.

  3. Step 3

    Check to see if the horse is rolling around on its belly. The horse may even bite its belly or try to kick its belly. It knows that this is the source of the pain, but it doesn't know what to do about it.

  4. Step 4

    Check your horse's food each day. Is the horse not eating? Loss of appetite is a sign that your horse is suffering from colic. This symptom could also mean other things as well so look for it in conjunction with some of the other symptoms.

  5. Step 5

    Listen to hear if your horse is groaning a lot. Horses don't groan unless there is a problem. Groaning can indicate that a horse has colic and that it is in a lot of pain.

  6. Step 6

    Watch to see if your horse is constipated. This is another sign that there is an abdominal or problem with the horses intestines that would be deemed as colic.

Tips & Warnings
  • Keeping your horses food and water dishes clean will help ensure that your horse doesn't get colic. Make sure your horse has been de-wormed. Worms can be the cause of colic.
  • Call your Vet immediately if you suspect colic. Your Vet can tell you what to do for your horse until he can get there.
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