Colic in Horses

Colic refers to abdominal pain in horses, typically stemming from digestive system issues. While symptoms can range from mild to severe, it's important to note that the intensity of symptoms doesn't always correlate with the underlying condition's seriousness. A horse showing minimal discomfort might have a life-threatening condition, while one displaying dramatic symptoms might have a readily treatable issue. Although most cases can be managed with medication, approximately 10% require surgical intervention. Some cases may need hospitalization even when surgery isn't necessary.

Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, including improved diagnostic techniques and surgical procedures, the survival rates for colic have increased significantly. However, treatment costs can be substantial, and some conditions may not be surgically correctable. For horses requiring surgery, early diagnosis and quick intervention are crucial for a positive outcome.

Recognizing Colic Symptoms

Mild Symptoms:

Curling of the upper lip
Looking at their sides repeatedly
General uneasiness
Scraping the ground with hooves
Light sweating, particularly around the sides

Moderate Symptoms:

Repeatedly attempting to urinate
Alternating between standing and lying down
Extended periods of lying on their side

Severe Symptoms:

Aggressive rolling
Profuse sweating
Rapid breathing patterns
Self-inflicted injuries from thrashing

Source: Adapted from University of Liverpool Equine Hospital materials

Understanding Colic Causes

Colic symptoms typically arise from several primary issues:

Intestinal distention from gas or feed buildup
Gut displacement or twisting
Reduced blood flow to digestive organs
Intestinal muscle spasms

Sometimes, horses may show colic-like symptoms due to non-digestive issues, known as "false colic," which can stem from kidney, liver, or severe muscle problems.

Common Types of Colic

Impaction Colic

This occurs when feed material blocks the intestines, most commonly in the large colon where the digestive tract naturally narrows. Causes include:

Poorly chewed rough feed (often due to dental problems)
Inadequate water consumption
Reduced gut motility from lack of exercise
Foreign body obstruction

Gas Colic

Occurs when gut bacteria produce excessive gas, usually due to:

Diet changes
High sugar intake
Disrupted digestive flora

The gas stretches the intestinal walls and may lead to displacement.

Displacement and Torsion

The horse's large colon can shift position or twist, potentially cutting off blood supply. While some displacements respond to medical treatment, torsions require immediate surgery to prevent tissue death and toxin release.

Strangulation

Often caused by fatty tumors wrapping around the small intestine, blocking blood flow. This requires rapid surgical intervention to prevent potentially fatal complications.

Sand Colic

Affects horses grazing on sandy soils. The accumulated sand:

Weighs down the colon
Irritates the intestinal lining

Often requires intervention for removal.

Prevention Strategies

Provide constant access to fresh, clean water
Feed small, frequent meals rather than large portions
Maintain a high-fiber diet (at least 60% hay or equivalent)
Inspect feed quality regularly
Establish consistent exercise routines
Make dietary changes gradually
Maximize turnout time
Schedule regular dental checkups
Manage spring grass access carefully
Avoid sandy grazing areas
Follow a veterinarian-approved deworming program
Maintain consistent daily routines

Source: Adapted from Blue Cross guidelines

Emergency Response

If you notice colic symptoms:

For mild cases: Walk the horse for no more than 10 minutes
If symptoms persist beyond 30 minutes or appear severe, contact your veterinarian immediately
Remove access to food until veterinary assessment
Monitor and document symptoms