How to Cure Equine Colic

Catch colic early and you could save your horse.

Equine colic, or a digestive problem in a horse, is a painful condition that can be treated if diagnosed early. Equine colic causes may include something as simple as gas or as complex as a twisted intestine. There are five types of digestive colic: spasmodic, impaction, incarceration, displacement and excessive fermentation. Each kind presents its own set of symptoms and challenges. Curing colic depends on which type of colic your horse experiences and treatment requires veterinary attention. Still, there are steps you can take before your vet arrives to ensure the best possible outcome for your equine friend.

Things You'll Need

• Horse halter
• Pasture or arena

Instructions

1. 

   If your horse is distressed and pawing the ground, he could have colic.

   Call the vet. The early symptoms of colic are usually the same regardless of the type or severity of the case. Curing colic depends on early veterinary intervention so it is crucial to call your vet immediately if your horse displays symptoms such as pawing the ground, trying to kick his belly, curling his upper lip, sweating profusely or a lack of bowel movement. Because colic causes some horses to behave violently, the vet should be present for your safety and your horse's safety.

2. 

   Colic can be caused by moldy hay.

   Remove food and water. Colic can be caused by excess food or water, moldy hay or your horse's poor teeth. It is best to remove anything that the horse may try to digest to be sure she does not exacerbate the problem.

3. 

   Sometimes walking can make a horse more comfortable.

   Walk your horse. The abdominal pain will cause many horses to want to roll. This could cause further damage and cause the colic to progress. Put a halter on your horse and encourage him to walk for 10 or 15 minutes. Sometimes moving will help calm the problem and make the horse more comfortable. If he is not feeling better at that point, stop walking. Excessive walking during colic could cause exhaustion and put your horse at further risk if colic surgery is needed.

4. 

   Observe your horse carefully during colic.

   Observe your horse. Your vet will ask you to describe your horse's symptoms and explain any recent changes in her training, environment or feeding plan. Be prepared to tell her when you first noticed signs of colic, what symptoms are present, how your horse is reacting and what you have done to keep the horse comfortable before the vet's arrival. Your careful observation will be crucial to curing this case of colic.

5. 

   Assist your vet if needed.

   Assist your vet if needed. From here, your vet will diagnose what type of colic your horse is experiencing and determine the proper treatment. If gas is causing the colic, a nasogastric tube (through the nose, into the stomach) will help relieve the pain. If the horse is violent, the vet may sedate him. An analgesic such as Banamine may be administered to relieve pain, and enemas or laxatives can help remove impactions, which can cure colic.

6. 

   Surgery is a last option to cure colic.

   Consider surgery. If your vet exhausted his efforts in curing your horse's colic, he may ask you to consider surgery. This occurs in about 5 to 7 percent of colic cases. The surgery can involve removing a piece of blocked intestine and reconnecting the intestine. Surgery is a risky undertaking that must be carefully considered. Surgery survival rates are around 50 percent and many post-operative complications can occur.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid colic by establishing a solid nutrition and feeding plan for your horse.

• Avoid stressful situations such as abrupt changes in feed.

• Give your horse access to clean water, unless he is extremely hot.

• Have your horse's teeth checked regularly.

• Allow your horse plenty of time in the pasture and out of her stall.

• While some cases of colic can be cured very easily, it can be a very serious condition that results in death. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial.

References

• Oregon State University Extension Service: Preventing and Treating Colic in Your Horse
• Royal Veterinary College: Colice Fact Sheet

Resources

• Alpha Horse: Addressing Horse Colic