Recurrent Equine Colic

Horses get colic for many different reasons. Recurrent colic may be a sign of a life-threatening problem requiring surgery. It may be from causes that simply require ongoing management with supplements or drugs over the life of the horse. Many recurrent colics are never diagnosed and are eliminated with food and husbandry changes.

  1. Ruling Out Life-Threatening Causes

    • Recurrent colic can signify a developing problem requiring surgery. Through a process of elimination, your veterinarian can help rule out several possibilities including a developing impaction caused by a tumor, stone or twist in the intestine. These causes need to be be addressed surgically. But many colic episodes can be managed medically.

    Sand Colic

    • Horses are prone to "sand colic" from sand ingested while eating that ends up accumulating in the large colon and causing impaction of digested food. Test for sand by putting manure in a latex glove, fill with water and hang fingers-down for a couple hours. Sand in the manure will filter out into the glove fingers. Treat the horse with psyllium, which gels when it absorbs moisture; the sand attaches to the gelled psyllium and both are eliminated together. Also, make feeding changes so the horse does not eat off dirt surfaces.

    Parasites

    • A simple and low-cost fecal test will help rule out an overload of internal parasites causing recurrent colic. Treat for parasites as advised by your veterinarian.

    Feeding

    • Your horse should have access to fresh water at all times.

      A horse's digestive system is designed to be processing food at all times. If your schedule requires intermittent feeding of large quantities, your horse may get a stomachache from eating too much at once. Investigate ways to feed smaller quantities more frequently. A constant source of hay, such as a round bale, employing a neighbor to feed a midday meal or investing in a timed automatic feeder, may help reduce colic episodes. Dehydration is also a significant contributing factor to colic. Be sure your horse has plenty of fresh water available at all times, even, and especially, in winter.

    Heat Cycles

    • One common cause of recurrent colic in mares is their estrous cycle. If your horse is a mare and her colic episodes are timed with her cycle, check with your veterinarian about hormone therapy and other treatments to avoid heat-related colic episodes.

    Other Therapies

    • Acupuncture, acupressure and many herbal remedies are used to help prevent colic and reduce symptoms of recurrent colic. Many herbs, such as comfrey, marshmallow and slippery elm, coat the digestive tract. Since stress and possible resulting ulcers can also cause recurring colic, herbs that have calming properties might help reduce ulcers and stomach cramping from nervous tension.