And the Worst of them All

Colic literally means stomach ache, it is common in human infants but more serious in horses, it is one of the highest causes of death to horses. Colic can vary from a mild case to a fatal case. The amount of severity varies with the cause. The stomach ache can come from gas, spasms/cramps, irritation of the bowel, too full of a stomach or intestine, a blocked bowel or a twisted intestine. There are several different types of colic such as spasmodic colic, which is caused by cramps in the bowel from a horse overeating, eating rotten food or drinking cold water after a hard workout. Flatulent colic occurs when a horse eats rotten food, frozen grass or lawn clippings. All these things will ferment in the digestive tract and produce gas which builds up in the intestines. Another way a horse can have colic is by Thromboembolism, this is when worm larvae attack the blood vessels in the intestines, and causing a clot and blocking blood to a part of the digestive tract causing sever colic. Impaction colic develops slower than other colics, usually over a period of one to three days. This occurs when indigestible material builds up and blocks the digestive tract. The most deadly colic of all is Obstruction, which is a twisted gut. This happens when a horse rolls excessively due to pain from another type of colic. When he rolls a lot, his intestines will twist causing major blockage, which can only be resolved be surgery.

Some common symptoms of colic are when a horse stops eating, kicks or nips at his stomach, rolls excessively, sweats majorly, looks anxious or restless, he may also have a higher heart rate and breathe heavier. When you see any of these signs you need to take action immediately. Call your vet ASAP! But also take your horses’ temperature, respiration, and pulse. Then walk him slowly for fifteen minutes and take his vital signs again. Do not let him eat or lie down and roll. Keep him walking until he seems to be more relaxed, and not kicking at his stomach or trying to roll. Still keep him from eating until your vet further instructs.

To prevent colic be sure that your pasture does not contain any poisonous plants and be sure that our keep him dewormed so he doesn’t get worms. Also make sure that when you feed him, he isn’t sweating, breathing hard, or have a high body temperature. When you want to change his diet, gradually add or decrease the grain instead of changing it all in one day; take time and gradually do it over two weeks. Be sure that your horse doesn’t over eat or eat moldy food. By being cautious and managing your pasture and horses feed, you can prevent the devastations of colic.

Information from "The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship" by: Susan E. Harris.