How to Stop Horse Colic
The first signs of colic in a horse are stamping, sweating, looking at his abdomen and trying to kick his own belly. There are many different kinds of colic, from simple gas to twisted gut. Assume that the worst has happened and start treatment immediately. If you have a helper, have her call the vet while you start to treat the horse or pony.
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Instructions
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Remove all food buckets and as much hay as possible. The horse must not eat anything else, or the colic may worsen. If the horse starts eating the bedding, remove that, too, or tie the horse so she can't reach the bedding.
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Halter the horse and put on a lead rope and begin walking the horse slowly or at the speed the horse is comfortable going. If he lowers his head and paws the ground, he's thinking of rolling. Keep the head up and keep on walking.
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Call the vet if the horse doesn't defecate in 15 minutes. Get a helper to do this if possible while you continue to supervise the horse.
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Insert a nose tube down a nostril into the horse's throat and pour a laxative mineral oil drench (or commercial colic drench) slowly into the tube. If you have never done this before, skip this step.
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Get the horse to a well-lit place where the vet can examine him. Use a twitch on the horse's upper lip if he won't stand still. Get the vet any needed equipment such as a bucket, soap and towels for washing up.
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Tips & Warnings
Horses and ponies are much heavier than you are. If the animal insists on rolling, let him do it in an open area where he can't hurt his legs banging against a wall or fence. The Equine Research Centre says that some rolling may help with milder cases of colic due to gas. Be prepared to arrange transportation to a vet clinic if surgery is necessary.
Don't walk a horse until he is exhausted. He can stand if he seems to be feeling better. Now is not the time to learn to use a nose tube. If you don't know how to use it, let the vet do it. Don't ignore the symptoms of colic. According to The Complete Equine Veterinary Manual, horses can die in less than 24 hours after the attack begins.
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