Spasmodic Colic

Definition

• Spasmodic colic is a painful but not usually dangerous condition in horses. This condition occurs when there are increased intestinal contractions or spasms in a part of the small intestines. Spasmodic colic is also known as cramp colic because the condition causes cramping in the bowels.

Causes

• Colic is quite common in horses and might occur for a wide variety of reasons. Possible causes of spasmodic colic include the horse eating indigestible food, a change in diet, overexertion and drinking large amounts of cold water when the animal is heated.

Symptoms

• An attack of spasmodic colic usually begins suddenly. The most common signs that a horse might be having an attack include stomping, pawing, suddenly lying down, lying down and getting up again repeatedly, standing with the body stretched out, frequent attempts to urinate, turning the head toward the abdomen, curling of the upper lip, kicking at the abdomen or rolling. During the painful period of colic, the intestinal sounds will increase and as the pain worsens, the horse's actions might get more violent.

Treatment

• For spasmodic colic, calling a veterinarian might not become necessary. If a horse is behaving violently, however, a vet should be called immediately in case it is a more severe form of colic.
  During an episode of spasmodic colic, remove the animal's food and water. Walking the horse can help to relieve anxiety and keep the horse from rolling, which can cause the more serious condition of intestinal twisting. Walking can also help the intestinal activity return to normal or help the horse defecate or urinate, which may ease the colic.
  If symptoms do not stop or are increasing within 30 minutes, call a veterinarian. Depending on the type of colic diagnosed by the veterinarian, treatment might include pain relievers or a dose of mineral oil given through a tube. This treatment lubricates the intestinal tract and acts as a laxative to help move along any obstructions.
  If symptoms do not abate, it might be a more severe form of colic, such as displacement or torsion colic, which means the intestines might have moved into an abnormal position or might have twisted. These conditions often call for immediate surgery.

Prevention

• There are many steps you can take to prevent colic. Horses should be turned out as much as possible and should have consistent exercise. More than 1/2 of the diet should consist of forage, such as grass and hay, but do not overgraze pastures. Do not feed horses moldy hay or grain and try to provide forage throughout the day. Make sure horses always have access to clean water and maintain a regular feeding schedule. Do not feed or water heated horses until they have been cooled down, and control intestinal parasites with consistent deworming practices.