Signs a Mare Is Pregnant or Bloated From Colic

"Colic" is a catch-all word that defines stomach ache in horses. Colic episodes consist of a horse experiencing a blockage in its gut, resulting in cramping and pain. Blockages are caused by manure, sand, food and sometimes trapped air. Pregnancy, on the other hand, only happens when a mare is bred. If a mare is bloated, and you wonder whether she's pregnant or has colic, check for some standard signs of colic. The only true way to diagnose pregnancy is through ultrasound or blood and urine tests.

  1. Refusal to Eat

    • In pregnant mares, one of the surest signs of a problem is any refusal to eat. This is a common symptom of colic. The cramps, pain and upset stomach that accompany colic combine to make a horse unwilling to take even tasty treats. The body's knowledge that food will make a digestive problem worse compounds the situation. This sign is especially telling in pregnant mares, who generally eat enough for two.

    Pawing or Laying Down

    • An early sign of colic--and one that has nothing to do with pregnancy--is pawing and pacing. A horse's natural reaction to pain is to try and escape, so a colicking horse paces unendingly. Some horses progress to laying down and rolling or thrashing in an attempt to alleviate the pressure and cramping.

    Gut Sounds

    • Any pregnant mare should have an active stomach and gut area, as she nurtures a new life in her uterus. This activity results in many different sounds--gurgling, growling, bubbling etc. Any cessation in these sounds signifies a problem that has nothing to do with pregnancy. Colic physically stops up a digestive tract with gas or an impaction. If no sounds are coming from a mare's stomach, the most likely cause is colic.