Understanding Colic In Horses

Colic is one of the most common and potentially dangerous issues for horses, and as a horse owner, it’s important to know the signs and how to respond.

 

Colic refers to abdominal pain and can be caused by a variety of factors, from diet to stress. Colic can be caused by a number of things, including:

 

• Sudden diet changes: Horses have sensitive digestive systems, and drastic changes in their food or feeding routine can trigger colic.

• Inadequate water intake: Dehydration is a big risk factor for colic, so make sure your horse always has access to fresh, clean water.

• Stress: Changes in routine, new environments, or other stressful events can lead to digestive upset.

• Parasites: Heavy worm burdens can block the intestines and lead to colic.

• Poor quality or contaminated hay: Sometimes, moldy or spoiled hay can irritate your horse’s digestive tract.

 

What to watch for: Restlessness or pacing, sweating or trying to roll, looking at their flank, not eating or drinking, pawing, rolling or lying down excessively and abdominal distension or bloating.

 

What to do: If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait, call us immediately! Colic can worsen quickly, and the sooner we can assess the situation, the better the chances of a successful treatment.

 

𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞-𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐞𝐭.