What Is Equine Colic Fever?

Equine colic is a term used to describe a wide array of abdominal issues and aliments found in horses. Many horses come down with colic symptoms after eating improper foods or things.

  1. Colic

    • Colic is one of the most dangerous conditions for a horse and may prove fatal. Colic is not a particular disease but rather a sign of abdominal pain in horses and can be indicative of abdominal and intestinal problems.

    Symptoms

    • Common colic symptoms include pawing at the ground, excessive sweating, bloated or drawn up belly, elevated or lower than normal body temperature, sitting on haunches like a dog and no gut sounds.

    Causes

    • Colic can be caused by eating directly before or after working, eating sand and swallowing too much air.

    Treatment

    • Move with caution around a horse with colic because pain may cause them to spasm. Get the horse to stand up and try to prevent him from thrashing about. The vet will most likely administer pain killers and laxatives.

    Recovery

    • Once a horse's symptoms have abated it is important to keep an eye out for another episode. Keep a close eye on when and how often a horse is fed. A regular diet may help prevent development of future colic.