Colic can be fatal and should be a concern for horse owners. Colic can be as severe as simple abdominal pain or life-threatening and sometimes require surgical treatment.

According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (NAHMS), approximately 4.2 colic episodes per 100 horses each year. 1.2 per cent of these cases will need surgery, and around 11% of those cases will prove fatal.

Causes and Treatments for Colic in Horses

Many factors can cause colic. Impaction colic is when feeding materials build up in the stomach of horses. This can be caused by poor nutrition, poor water intake or blockages in the digestive system. Gas colic is another common condition. This occurs when the colon microbes produce excessive amounts of gas. Changes in diet can cause this. Changes in feed can cause the colon to shift, causing the intestines to flip or twist. This can lead to gas buildup and impactions. Emergency surgery is required immediately if the colon twists. This condition can also be caused by poor motility, ulcers, and low blood supply.

Signs and symptoms of colic in horses

• Horses can experience colic in a variety of ways:
• Rub, scratch or kick the abdomen
• Pacing
• Pawing
• Sweating
• Sometimes violently roll on the ground and lie down
• Holding on to your urine without normal output
• Interest in grain and hay has declined
• Heart rate greater than 45 beats per Minute
• Mucous membranes that are discoloured

How to Treat Colic in Horses

If your horse is showing signs of colic or you suspect he may have it, take him to a safe area and closely monitor him. It would help if you were alert for changes in attitude, pain signals or increased manure production. If your horse is suffering from cramps or colic, walking can help. This will prevent your horse from rolling. Stop if you feel that walking aggravates your pain or worsens your overall condition.

Call your veterinarian if your horse displays these symptoms or acts abnormally. If your horse continues to exhibit these symptoms or your veterinarian has not seen your horse for several hours, contact them immediately. Your horse may have been suffering from colic for a prolonged period.

What to Do While You Wait for Your Veterinarian

Your horse should be denied access to food.

To share your veterinarian’s information, take your horse’s vitals.

Walking your horse can help prevent further damage and rolling (but only if it doesn’t cause more pain).

Colic Treatment

More than 80 per cent of colic types can be treated at the farm, which is a good thing. Prescription medication for colic can help reduce abdominal pain and inflammation. Banamine and Buscopan provide mild pain relief. Buscopan’s antispasmodic qualities help with gas-related colic and spasmodic colic. Phenylbutazone can also reduce inflammation and ease some colic symptoms. Digestive supplements, like Succeed, also help support a healthy digestive system for reduced colic risk.