The key to preventing and managing colic lies in understanding the normal function of the digestive tract and the situations that can cause it to malfunction. Colic is in fact not a disease, but a term describing abdominal pain, which can arise from many different causes. Colic can range from mild to severe and clinical signs vary among individual horses. This condition is extremely significant because it proves to be the leading cause of death in horses. Any horse owner makes a wise choice to educate themselves on the prevention of colic.

One of the hardest things for the horse owner is to identify the signs of colic. The signs of colic vary and may depend on the severity of the pain. Among the most common clinical signs are:

There are a number of other signs, including depression, lack of appetite, and lack of bowel movements, which should also be considered as generalized signs of illness. Its important that all-animal owners take the time to observe their animal’s normal behavior, making it easier to pick up signs of illness. Animals will give signs when they are not feeling well and it is up to the owner to recognize these signs, and provide appropriate attention.

Taking immediate action when you recognize signs of colic in your horse is a critical factor if colic is to be successfully treated. Some cases of colic will be mild and may not require medical intervention; However, many times a horse with colic will require timely medical management and in some cases emergency surgery. If you suspect that your horse may be suffering from colic, first remove all food out of the stall. Next and most importantly, CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN and be prepared to provide as much information on your horse’s condition as possible. Observe the horse so that you will be able to answer the following questions: How is the horse acting? What are the pulse and respiratory rates? What is the rectal temperature? Has the horse had any bowel movements recently and if so what was their consistency? Know the horse’s medical history and deworming schedule. Has the horse had any past episodes of colic? Being able to answer these questions will help your veterinarian in assessing the severity of your animal’s condition and what the next step in treatment will be. If the horse is rolling violently and acting extremely painful you might attempt to walk the horse slowly until the veterinarian arrives. Do not administer any drugs unless specifically directed by your veterinarian as this may conceal problems and interfere with an accurate diagnosis.

Unfortunately, horses are not the best-built animals in terms of efficiency of its digestive tract. Horses do seem to be predisposed to colic because of the anatomy of their digestive tract; however, there are some things that owners can do to downplay this predisposition and reduce the risk of colic. A major cause of colic is blockage of blood supply to the intestine due to bloodworms, so number one on the list of preventative measures is to set up a regular parasite control program. This is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to prevent a very costly illness. Another easy way to maintain good health in your horse is to provide fresh, clean water at all times and avoid feeding too much grain. The more highly digestible, quality hay you can provide for your horse, the better. Try to institute a daily routine in the care of your horses that includes feeding and exercising them regularly. Make dietary changes to this schedule as cautiously and gradually as possible. Finally, always pay greater attention to your horse during times of stress such as pregnancy and foaling, and also to horses with history of colic, which may be at greater risk.

Essentially all horses are vulnerable to colic, but by improving management techniques, providing good quality feed, and regular deworming we may be able to reduce the incidence of this terrible condition.