Information on Beet Pulp to Prevent Colic in Horses

The term "colic" is used to describe stomach complications in horses. Although the specific causes of colic are not clear, colic symptoms are generally obvious and easily recognized. Once colic is diagnosed, there are several different possible treatmetns. But because colic can be dangerous, many horse owners seek to prevent it with supplements like beet pulp.

  1. Causes

    • Impaction colic happens when food or manure blocks a horse's digestive tract. This normally occurs in the intestines, when a horse is stressed or dehydrated. Some horses are naturally inclined to colic, and experience impactions again and again. Colic can be a serious problem and may result in surgery and even death.

    Symptoms

    • A colic episode causes intense cramping and discomfort. Horses attempt to get away from this pain by pacing, laying down and rolling. A horse with impaction colic refuses to eat or drink and is incapable of passing any manure. Hoses that have colic cease to emit any stomach or gut sounds, as their digestive tract ceases to move.

    Treatments

    • Colic treatments include walking the horse to increase circulation and prevent if from laying down, and the administration of pain killers and lubrication. Vets put a plastic tube through the horse's nose into its stomach, to pump mineral oil directly into its digestive system. The mineral oil loosens any impactions and eases their path through the gut.

    Beet Pulp

    • According to EquiSearch, beet pulp is the material left behind when table sugar is extracted from beets. Owners mix beet pulp with water, leave it to expand, and then feed it to horses as a mash, either alone or in combination with other supplements. Beet pulp is most popular as a weight-gain formula for horses, but is also a good source of fiber.

    Beet Pulp as Prevention

    • Beet pulp works as colic prevention in two ways. Colic-prone horses often colic when they are dehydrated. Beet pulp, as a soupy mash, is a good way to encourage water intake and hydration in these horses. Many owners mix salt with the beet pulp mash to encourage horses to drink even more water. As a good source of fiber, beet pulp acts as a natural aid to digestion, and works to keep manure loose. Loose manure is less likely to cause an impaction in the horse's intestines, and is therefore safer.