Equine Fluid Therapy for Colic

Equine colic is a serious condition that occurs in about 10 percent of all horses each year, according to veterinarian Jay Altman. It is also the No. 1 cause of natural deaths in horses. "Colic" is actually the term used to refer to various types of abdominal pain, all of which can have a number of causes. Prompt care is crucial for horses suffering from colic; a relatively simple case of colic can quickly escalate into a serious or even life-threatening situation without veterinary intervention. Although the treatment for colic in specific cases depends on the type of colic and its cause, fluid therapy is a common measure used as part of the overall treatment protocol.

  1. Significance

    • Horses have a "one-way" digestive system and are unable to vomit; therefore, any slowdown in the digestive tract, such as from a blockage or inflammation, can progress to the point that other bodily organs are cut off from the flow of blood and fluids that normally originate from the intestines. As such, colic will rarely resolve on its own, and timely treatment is needed.

    Types

    • Colic can be classified into three types: intestinal dysfunction, enteritis and intestinal accidents. Intestinal dysfunction refers to a digestive tract that is no longer working properly due to circumstances such as a blockage or excess gas. Enteritis is colic that results from inflammation or infection in the intestines. The least common but most life-threatening type of colic is an intestinal accident, in which the intestines are twisted or injured. Emergency surgery is usually needed for this type of colic.

    Causes

    • The different types of colic also have a range of causes. Horses that are fed on sandy grounds can suffer from sand colic, which is the gradual buildup of sand in the intestines that results in a blockage. Grain can also lead to colic, whether from moldy grain, too-fine grain that clumps together to cause intestinal blockages, or situations in which a horse gets loose and overfeeds himself after gaining access to the grain storage. An infestation of worms can lead to colic from blockages caused by dead worms or clotted blood. The most serious cause of colic is a twisted intestine, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate surgery.

    Symptoms

    • Colic can be an extremely painful condition for a horse, which will become evident in an affected horse's behavior. A horse with colic will often turn to look at its stomach, sometimes biting the stomach and in more severe cases rolling on the ground and kicking the abdomen with its hooves. A colicky horse may also lose its appetite and become restless. In some cases, it may be unable to have a bowel movement, and the usual "gut sounds"---the gurgling noises of an active digestive system that can be heard when pressing an ear against a horse's stomach---will be absent. A horse exhibiting colic symptoms should be seen immediately by a veterinarian because even seemingly mild cases can quickly turn serious without proper treatment.

    Treatment

    • Depending on the cause and degree of colic, fluid therapy may be given intravenously or orally as part of the treatment protocol. Fluids will counteract dehydration and allow blood to circulate to the horse's vital organs. In addition, fluids can help soften impacted material in the intestines. Conversely, a lack of fluids can also be the cause of colic in the first place; food may become impacted in the intestines when a horse does not have access to enough fresh water, which helps break down food and allows it to pass through the digestive tract.

      In addition to fluid therapy, a veterinarian may administer a large amount of mineral oil orally in order to soften blockages and push them through the intestines. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications are also common treatment methods for colic, as are antibiotics in order to eliminate any bacteria that may be causing intestinal gas. In cases of colic caused by complete blockages or twisted intestines, surgery may be the only viable option.

    Prevention

    • There are certain steps that can be taken to minimize the chances of a horse developing colic. Changes in feeding practices---such as from one grain type to another or in the amount of grain fed---should always be done gradually in order to minimize any negative effect on the digestive system. Feed quality hay; overly coarse hay or hay that is not easily digested can cause intestinal impactions. Make sure your horse always has access to fresh water, and worm regularly in order to keep intestinal parasites at bay. Freedom of movement is also a factor in colic; horses confined to stalls are more likely to develop colic than those that are allowed to roam in turnout areas.