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Colic in horses is every horse owner's nightmare. One moment your horse seems fine, and the next, they’re showing signs of discomfort, lying down, or pawing at their belly. It’s a stressful situation that can escalate quickly, but knowing what to do—and what not to do—can make all the difference. Let’s break down how to handle this common yet serious equine emergency.
⚠️ What to Watch For
Colic is a term used to describe abdominal pain in horses, and it can range from mild to life-threatening. Recognizing the signs early is crucial to getting your horse the care they need.
Common signs of colic include:
- Pawing at the ground or belly
- Repeatedly lying down and getting up
- Rolling excessively or violently
- Stretching out as if to urinate but not doing so
- Reduced or no appetite
- Decreased manure production
- Elevated heart rate or respiratory rate
- Excessive sweating
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to act quickly. While some cases of colic are mild and resolve on their own, others can become serious without prompt intervention.
🔍 Possible Causes
There are many potential causes of colic in horses, and they vary in severity. Some of the most common include:
- Gas buildup in the intestines
- Impactions (blockages) caused by dry feed, sand, or foreign objects
- Twists or displacements in the intestine
- Changes in feed or overfeeding
- Stress or sudden changes in environment
- Dehydration or lack of access to fresh water
- Parasites causing intestinal irritation
- Ulcers or inflammation in the digestive tract
Understanding the potential cause can help your vet provide the best treatment plan, but it’s not always immediately clear what’s triggering the colic. That’s why acting promptly is key.
✅ What You Can Do at Home
If you suspect your horse is colicking, there are steps you can take to stabilize them while waiting for your vet to arrive. Here’s what you should do:
- Remove all food and hay to prevent further complications.
- Ensure your horse has access to clean, fresh water.
- Walk your horse to prevent them from rolling excessively, which can worsen certain types of colic, like intestinal twists. However, don’t exhaust them—short walks are fine.
- Keep your horse in a safe, open area where they won’t injure themselves if they lie down or roll.
- Monitor their behavior closely, noting any changes in symptoms or severity.
While these steps can help, avoid administering medications or home remedies without veterinary guidance. Some treatments can do more harm than good if the cause of colic is unknown.
💡 When to Call a Vet
Colic can progress quickly, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Call your vet immediately if:
- Your horse’s symptoms are severe or worsening.
- They’re rolling violently and cannot be calmed.
- There’s no improvement after walking them for 20–30 minutes.
- Your horse shows signs of shock, such as pale gums or a rapid heart rate.
- There’s no manure production for an extended period.
- You’re unsure of the cause or severity of the colic.
Your vet may provide instructions over the phone while they’re on their way. Be prepared to share details about your horse’s symptoms, recent diet or management changes, and any other relevant information.
In some cases, your vet may recommend immediate transport to a specialized equine hospital for advanced diagnostics or surgery.
FAQs
Q: Can I prevent colic in my horse?
A: While not all cases are preventable, you can reduce the risk by ensuring consistent feeding schedules, providing plenty of fresh water, avoiding sudden diet changes, and maintaining a regular deworming and dental care routine.
Q: Should I let my horse roll if they have colic?
A: It depends. Gentle rolling isn’t always harmful, but violent rolling can worsen certain types of colic. Walking your horse can help prevent excessive rolling while waiting for the vet.
Book a $49 online vet consultation at https://www.dialavet.com for fast, expert advice.
