How to Relieve Gas Colic in a Horse

Colic is a common horse affliction. It is a generalized term used to refer to pain in the horse's abdomen. Most cases of colic are mild and caused by a build up of gas in the intestines. This is easily resolved if detected and treated early. However, if undetected or left untreated, it could become something much more serious. If you notice signs of colic in your horse, such as loss of interest in food, sweating for no apparent reason, listlessness, and rapid breathing, follow the steps in the guide below to begin treatment immediately.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup Strong coffee
• 2 tsp Ground ginger
• 2 oz Butterscotch schnapps
• Medical syringe
• Halter
• Lead

Instructions

1. Ensure your horse has no access to solid food -- only water. Remove anything from their stall that they are likely to eat.

2. Mix together: 1 cup of strong, tepid coffee, 2 teaspoons of ground ginger and 2 ounces of Butterscotch Schnapps. Other alcohol can be substituted but, like most mammals, horses have a definite preference for sweet things. Coffee functions as a mild laxative, ginger relieves the gas, and alcohol will reduce muscle tension.

3. Fill a medical syringe with the coffee mixture and give it to your horse. When she has taken the coffee, put on a halter and attach a lead.

4. Walk the horse for 20 minutes and then let him rest for 20 minutes. Repeat this for 3 to 6 hours. At some point, the horse should begin to pass gas. He may even have a bowel movement. These are indications of the colic abating. As the pain diminishes, he will begin to graze. When the horse is grazing as usual, let him off the lead. Feed the horse nothing but hay and grass for the next 24 hours.

5. Call the vet immediately if you observe any of the following: the horse rolling or acting aggressive, gums that are gluey or dry, or if your horse lies down and can't get back up. Tell the vet your horse has colic and be prepared to give the following information: what signs of colic your horse is exhibiting, temperature, the pulse or number of heart beats per minute (press in on either side of the neck, just below the jaw to feel the pulse), the horse's health history, and information about the horse's most recent bowel movement, including time, quantity and consistency. Keep the horse under close surveillance until the vet arrives.

Tips & Warnings

• Reduce the quantity of grains you feed your horse: they are difficult to digest and can result in the build-up of excessive gas. Develop a regular schedule for feeding, watering, and exercise and follow it every day. Feed the horse several smaller meals throughout the day rather than giving all the food at one time.

Resources

• The Horse.com: Your Guide to Equine Health