Equine Colic Remedies

Colic is the number one cause of death in horses, despite medical advancement. The word "colic" is a general term that describes abdominal pain or rupturing that strikes the intestines. The CEH Horse Report states that 920,000 horses nationwide will suffer a case of colic each year. The treatment of colic varies based on the type of colic and its severity. Treatments are often classified as medical or surgical. In all cases of colic, a veterinarian should be called immediately.

  1. Medications

    • Medications are used for colic caused by parasites and inflammations. In most cases, a veterinarian will prescribe a painkiller or anti-inflammatory, such as Buscopan or phenylbutazone. In cases of gas colic and food impaction, an analgesic or anti-spasmodic is used to relax the bowels.

    Intestinal Lubricants

    • Intestinal lubricants are commonly used in cases of food or dirt impaction in the intestines. Food impaction is often caused by poor-quality feed or dehydration, while dirt impaction is common in areas with poor grazing. Commonly, veterinarians will use water mixed with electrolytes or mineral oils to flush the intestines. Epsom salts may also be inserted nasally.

    Exercise

    • In mild forms of colic, especially gas colic, gentle exercise often helps a horse relax its bowels, which allows the impaction or gas to pass.

    Surgery

    • Surgery is necessary for horses with blocked intestines, torsions and severe impaction. Surgeries often involve untwisting the intestines in the cases of torsions, or emptying the intestines of dangerous minerals and food impaction. In recent years, the survival rate of horses in surgery has increased from 50 to 70 percent.