Colic in Yearlings

Colic is an illness that is the number one cause of death for horses according to Dr. Mike Tomlinson, DVM. Colic can be caused by a variety of things and can be difficult for a veterinarian to diagnose. Because of its youth, it is less likely for a yearling to develop colic. However, it is still possible if poor feed is given to the yearling or if the yearling comes in contact with other animals who have parasite infestations. Colic can become a chronic problem for a horse when the first case is experienced at a young age, such as a yearling.

  1. Definition

    • Colic is a term that refers to pain felt in the abdominal section of a horse at any age, including a yearling. A yearling is a young horse that has just turned one-year old. There are several things that can cause colic, some of which can be deadly. Colic is the partial or complete blockage of a yearling's intestine. A partial blockage may cause a horse to eat poorly, but not to display the signs of abdominal pain, which makes it very difficult for veterinarians to diagnose.

    Causes

    • There are two main causes of colic--parasites and sand. Colic can also be caused by other things as well, such as poor feed.

      Parasites used to be the most common type of colic seen in yearlings. However, modern worming medications have reduced this type of colic.

      Sand colic occurs when large amounts of sand and dirt settle into the lower portion of the stomach and intestine of the animal. However, sand colic is rare in yearlings because of its age. According to Dr. Mike Tomlinson D.V.M., up to 150 pounds of sand can be collected in the intestinal tract of a horse during the lifespan of the yearling.

    Yearlings and Colic

    • Colic is less likely to occur in younger and older horses. Colic in yearlings commonly develops because of bad feed. This is because the stomach of a yearling is still developing and becoming accustomed to grain and various kinds of hay. If a yearling is given to much coarse feed, it can become impacted forming a solid mass in the yearling's young intestines. Grain can also cause colic in a yearling if they eat to much of it. In fact, if a yearling gains access to a large amount of grain they will literally eat themselves sick.

    Symptoms

    • If a yearling has developed colic, it will be in severe discomfort and won’t know what to do about it. If a yearling is observed kicking and biting at its stomach or abdomen repeatedly, a veterinarian should be called immediately. As colic pain continues to grow, the yearling will begin to roll on the ground in an effort to relieve the discomfort. This rolling can cause serious problems as the blocked intestine can become twisted from the movement. If an intestine becomes twisted, the yearling often has to be put down.

    Effects of Colic

    • Once a yearling has developed colic and recovered, it becomes a greater risk of reoccurring. According to Nathaniel White, who works at the Marion Dupont Scott Equine Medical Center, 10 yearlings out of 100 will develop colic each year. As yearlings mature, 10-15 percent will experience repeat colic cases, with some having multiple cases of colic each year. Once a yearling has had a case of colic, they are three times more likely to develop a case of colic again.