Colic in Horses

Animals, most notably horses, may often experience excruciating bouts of colic during their lifetimes. Usually characterized by intense abdominal pain, colic occurs due to gastrointestinal problems involving factors such as diet, disease and physical trauma. Careful observation and medical treatment provide the best means of protection against colic.

  1. Description

    • Colic is defined as a form of abdominal pain and occurs most often in horses. While colic usually indicates a problem with the gut, it may also point to deficiencies in the surrounding organs within the abdomen. However, colic is considered to be a symptom instead of a disease. Pain caused by colic varies in intensity and can seriously debilitate an animal's performance.

    Causes

    • Many different factors can cause colic in animals. Colic is very common in horses because of changes in their diet and environment. Because their intestines have not changed anatomically over time, domesticated horses often have trouble digesting new food and toxins. Digestive trouble is considered the leading cause of colic in horses. In addition, poor feeding routines and a lack of exercise can also contribute to the horse's failure to digest food. Other causes of colic include gastrointestinal disease, trauma, poisoning and liver disease.

    Symptoms

    • Colic typically presents itself when the animal becomes lethargic and lies down for most of the time. Symptoms vary according to the severity of pain. Mild abdominal pain incorporates symptoms like excessive yawning and an abnormal stance. On the other hand, intense pain correlates with symptoms such as uncontrollable thrashing on the ground, rapid breathing and sweating.

    Diagnosis

    • The best way to detect colic is to compare the animal's current behavior with its normal behavior. Usually, observant and knowledgeable animal owners can suspect the onset of colic before the symptoms become apparent. A veterinarian can provide professional opinions if some colic symptoms present themselves.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for colic varies according to the level of pain. Drugs that relieve pain and promote relaxation are used for mild colic cases. For more serious situations, a careful physical examination by a veterinarian is essential. A thorough examination may reveal threatening conditions such as twisted intestines. Laxatives may be administered to clear the stomach of excess fluids. Surgery is only considered in extreme cases of colic.