Natural Help for Equine Colic

Equine colic is a serious abdominal condition in horses that causes great discomfort and pain and in some cases can be fatal. There are several types of colic, ranging from moderate gas to a complete twisting of the intestinal tract and because symptoms many times appear much the same at onset, it is difficult to identify which type of colic is occurring. While immediate and proper veterinary care is crucial for a horse presenting with colic, drug treatment is not always necessary. Natural help in the form of acupressure, acupuncture, homeopathic and herbal treatments are available for treating this condition.

  1. Acupressure/Acupuncture

    • Acupressure can help relieve some of the pain associated with colic by restoring energy flow within the horses' body. While it is preferable to have an experienced acupressure practitioner perform this procedure, a layperson can perform it with good results. Acupressure works by placing the ball of the thumb on pressure points found in the valleys of the horses' body, such as between muscles, bones, tendons and around body joints, and applying pressure. As soon as you feel resistance, let up on the pressure and then repeat the process. Correct breathing is also important; exhale as you apply pressure and inhale as you release pressure

      Acupuncture works in much the same way as acupressure but should be administered by a trained professional. The idea is that acupuncture can help restore the energy flow within the horses' body, and provide relief from colic symptoms. Acupuncture involves placing small needles at target points on the horses' body and then manipulating them, usually with a small electromagnetic current, to stimulate blood flow and restore a type of energy acupuncturists call Qi-energy.

    Homeopathy

    • Homeopathy works differently than drug treatment in that while drugs can treat colic symptoms, homeopathy works to treat its cause. It bases its philosophy on the premise that "like treats like," or that any substance that can produce symptoms can also cure them.

      Homeopathy help for equine colic includes aconite for a horse just starting to colic, magnesium phosphate for gas and bloating, cinchona for sweating and diarrhea, and colchicum as an anti-inflammatory agent. Homeopathic remedies come in the form of a pellet or pill. After dissolving the remedy in a small amount of water, use a squirt bottle to squirt the solution into the horses' mouth.

    Herbs

    • Using an herbal treatment at the onset of colic can sometimes help prevent its progression. Multiple herbs in combination with each other can work to get the stomach moving again, stimulate circulation and limit gas formation. An herbal treatment can include capo aloe leaves to help clean the bowel, senna leaf and cascara segrada to help stimulate the large intestine, barberry and ginger root for nausea, fennel for gas, garlic as a general stimulant, wild yam for relief of intestinal spasms, and cayenne as the catalyst that enables these herbs to work together.

    Warnings

    • Never attempt to treat colic on your own. Call a veterinarian immediately if you suspect colic and follow instructions carefully. If you intend to administer any form of help before the vet arrives, make sure your vet is aware of this.

      Walking a horse is one of the first steps many owners take when they suspect colic. While it is an established regimen, do not walk the horse to the point of exhaustion.