What Are Severe Symptoms of Colic in Horses?

Colic is a broad term that encompasses all forms of abdominal pain in horses. The specific type of pain and its severity may be difficult to diagnose. In all cases, however, a horse suffering from colic will exhibit the same symptoms. If one of the symptoms is apparent in your horse, call a veterinarian immediately to diagnose the ailment and prescribe treatment.

  1. Types Of Colic

    • Broadly, colic can be categorized into three groups. The most common is intestinal dysfunction, meaning the functioning of the digestive tract is impaired. Secondly, there are accidents that cause intestinal rupture or tearing. These are less common but require more immediate emergency attention. The third group comprises infections and inflammations of the intestines. Sometimes called ulcerations or enteritis, they are caused by bacteria, parasites or stress.

    Causes

    • There are a variety of causes of colic, although almost all concern irregularities in the horse's eating habits. Colic is a potential risk if a horse overfeeds (a particular risk in spring when pasture is at its most abundant), if its feeding schedule is interrupted and it bolts its food, or its feed is changed suddenly. Rotten or moldy feed--or feed that has become contaminated with wood splinters, sand or twine--can also cause colic. Pests such as worms and parasites that invade the horse's food are also common causes. Colic may also occur if the horse's digestive system becomes twisted or tangled.

    Symptoms

    • There are a number of symptoms that indicate a horse is in pain. They require immediate attention. Symptoms include lack of interest in food, a sleepy disposition, excessive sweating and rolling. In more painful cases, the horse may kick or bite at its belly, paw the ground and become increasingly restless, continually lying down and getting up again.

    Treatment

    • If a horse is rolling on the ground or keeps lying down, walk it around for 15 minutes or so. This will help calm the horse and minimize the risk of further injury to the intestines. However, do not walk it for any longer than this as it will weaken the horse. Furthermore, be wary; a horse in pain can be dangerous. Try to keep the horse calm, check its vital signs (its breathing rate, heart rate, degree of sweating) and call your veterinarian, describing your observations. Do not administer any medications to the horse yourself because it may well compound the problem.

    Recovery

    • Approximately 10 percent of horses with colic die from it. In most cases, fatalities are caused by ruptures to the intestines. However, any case of colic can prove deadly if not acted upon promptly. The quicker your reaction to the first signs of colic in your horse, the better its chances of survival. Once a vet has tended to the horse, its colic symptoms should ease within a few hours. The colic often will be gone completely within 24 hours.