Spasmodic Colic Treatment

The term "colic" is used to describe a number of painful digestive disturbances in horses, each with a different cause. Spasmodic colic, or muscle spasms in the gut wall, is the mildest form of abdominal pain but still should be taken seriously as colic is a major, if not the number one, killer of horses. (

  1. Types

    • There are five types of equine digestive colic. Spasmodic colic is the least serious and most common, according to the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service. The other types are impaction, incarceration, displacement, and excessive fermentation. Each of these is more severe and may require surgical intervention to save the horse's life; however, it may be difficult to know at first glance which type of colic is causing her to suffer.

    Causes

    • Prolonged exercise can provoke an attack.

      Zoe Davies, in her book, "Introduction to Horse Biology," states that the way the horse is structured predisposes him to digestive upsets. The horse's large colon is 10 to 13 feet long and houses billions of micro-organisms that digest cellulose. These micro-organisms are highly susceptible to dietary changes, such as irregular feeding and watering schedules, which are major factors in causing colic.

      According to Lon D. Lewis, DVM and author of "Feeding and Care of the Horse," the loss of electrolytes can be a culprit. Colic, Lewis writes, "frequently occurs the evening after prolonged exercise." Giving too much water to a hot horse after exercise also can bring on an attack.

      Other causes are internal parasites, eating sand or other foreign matter, and improperly chewed food due to poor teeth.

      Spasmodic colic generally is associated with sudden feed changes or other stressful alterations in routine.

    Symptoms

    • Beginning symptoms are the same for every type of colic and include refusing to eat, biting at the abdomen or flanks and looking anxious or depressed. Sweating may occur. As the pain increases, the horse may become restless and paw the ground, frequently get up and down, and attempt to roll.

    Treatment

    • Walking can alleviate spasmodic colic.

      Simple treatment is usually successful in alleviating the discomfort of spasmodic colic and consists of administering a mild analgesic, gently walking the horse and temporarily withholding food. Watch the animal closely to determine if she is recovering. Quickly call a veterinarian whenever abdominal pain is moderate to severe; temperature, pulse and respiration are elevated; abdominal distension is present; mucous membranes darken in color; or no feces can be passed.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Horses on pasture rarely suffer from any type of colic.

      Prevention is the best insurance against all types of colic, including spasmodic. According to the Oregon State University Extension Service, the most effective way to prevent this painful affliction is to keep horses in a pasture, as pasture-kept animals rarely get it. Other good management practices involve maintaining a consistent feeding schedule, keeping the teeth in good shape, limiting the amount of water after exercise, controlling internal parasites and last, but definitely not least, minimizing stress.