Colic and Pregnancy

Colic is a dangerous condition for a horse, commonly causing death. When a mare is pregnant, the mare is not only at risk, but the unborn foal as well. Considerable time and money goes into breeding, and keeping a mare healthy during her pregnancy is vital to that investment. Knowing about colic and its effects may help in caring for the pregnant mare.

  1. Colic

    • Horses have very sensitive digestive systems, according to the Extension at Oregon State University, and most abdominal pain is labeled as colic. The most common type of colic is digestive colic, and this appears when the intestine is blocked or twisted, causing gas to build up. Due to the growing fetus, the blocking and twisting of intestines in a mare is a serious concern.

    Symptoms

    • Colic may be difficult to note in a pregnant mare due to the normal distension of her growing abdomen. Other symptoms may be more noticeable, such as loss of appetite, sweating, high pulse rate, or mucous in the feces. The mare may be restless or try to kick at her stomach.

    Colic and Pregnancy

    • Not only is colic dangerous to a mare, but it is also a health risk to an unborn foal. The level of concern depends on the stage of pregnancy and if colic is causing a decreased blood supply to the fetus. If the foal shifts in the uterus it may cause colic, though this does not typically cause intense pain for the mare. Colic caused by pregnancy may be the result of a pinched or trapped bowel due to the expanding uterus.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosing abdominal pain in a pregnant mare poses difficulties because the source of the pain is not always evident. Some abdominal discomfort is normal in a pregnant mare, but it is important to watch for signs of increasing severity. Frequently, the unborn foal makes examination difficult because there is limited space when examining through the rectum. In cases of severe pain, surgical exploration may be initiated to determine the cause.

    Treatment

    • Treating colic in a pregnant mare poses some difficulties because a veterinarian may not be able to reach an impaction in the bowel due to the unborn foal. If the mare is in minimal pain, the veterinarian may administer stool softeners or other agents that keep the bowels working. When the pain is severe and there is a potential threat to the unborn foal, surgery may be recommended.

    Prevention

    • To prevent colic, it is important to offer quality feed to the mare. She needs a constant supply of water and opportunities for exercise. Oregon State University's Extension says that "pasture-kept horses rarely have colic," so it is recommended that pregnant mares have regular access to a pasture.