How to Recognize Colic

Colic is a word every horse owner dreads, as the condition is painful for the horse and can be fatal. In general, colic refers to any form of abdominal pain, usually because of digestive system disruption. Cases of colic range in severity from just mild gas to dangerous impactions requiring surgical intervention. The causes of colic are numerous and can include a sudden change in feed, bad habits such as cribbing, or intestinal parasites, to name but a few. Recognizing the symptoms of colic and knowing when to call the vet is an important part of good horse care.

Things You'll Need

  • Food storage bags
  • Water
  • Gloves
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Instructions

  1. Observing for Signs

    • 1

      Observe and recognize unusual behaviors. A horse with colic will exhibit behavioral signs such as pawing at the ground, nipping at his flanks, or rolling on the ground. Severe colic will cause a horse to repeatedly drop to the ground, violently pitching himself side to side to ease the pain.

    • 2

      Check his bedding and stools. Bedding will show signs of excessive rolling. The presence of excessive parasites in the stool can indicate colic. Additionally, very dry stools, or a noticed decrease in stools also indicates colic resulting from an impaction.

    • 3

      Place your ear near the abdominal area, if the horse is calm enough to allow it. A lot of rumbling while still passing manure generally indicates mild colic. However, no sounds coupled with decreased or no manure and acute pain indicate a severe impaction and requires an immediate call to the veterinarian.

    • 4

      Perform a sand test. Wearing protective gloves, place a ball of manure in a food storage bag and break it up. Fill the bag halfway with water. Hang the bag from a post for several minutes. Observe any sand settling to the bottom. The presence of sand indicates sand impaction and the necessity for veterinary care.

    • 5

      Press your finger against the horse's gums until the color dissipates. Release the finger and see how long it takes the color to come back. If the gums feel tacky, take an abnormal amount of time to return to their normal color or appear disclored, he is either dehydrated or entering toxic shock. Both conditions warrant immediate veterinary care.

    • 6

      Check her heart rate. Place your hand under her jaw, in front of the large side jaw muscle. Count the beats you feel. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, a heart rate over 45-50 beats per minute requires immediate care.

    • 7

      Check her respiratory rate. Count each exhalation for 30 seconds to a minute. According to the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, normal horses take eight to 10 breaths per minute. Labored or rapid breathing indicates pressure from impaction, shock or other problems requiring veterinary care.