Medicine for Colic in Horses

Colic can be a dangerous and sometimes deadly ailment in horses. The primary causes of colic are a change in diet, lack of hydration or increased stress. A blockage occurs in the intestines, causing pain and potentially a twist in the intestines, which requires surgery. Immediate treatment is necessary, along with light exercise to treat mild colic cases.

  1. Homeopathic

    • Mineral oil can be administered by a gastro-nasal tube, preferably by a veterinarian. Senna, aethusa cynapium and silca can also be given through oral methods to relieve the blockage and gas that cause colic. Lavender is effective to relax and relieve stress in the horse, allowing for muscle relaxation.

    Pain Control

    • Banamine is quick and effective, but must be used in moderation as it can mask symptoms of more advanced colic. Rompun and Dormosedan are more powerful sedatives and should be used with extreme caution only after surgical colic has been eliminated.

    Muscle Relaxers

    • Muscle relaxers will help the blockage to pass and the horse to experience less stress. Atracurium and succinylcholine are effective medications.

    Hydration

    • When pain medications and muscle relaxers have proven ineffective, a veterinarian will determine if the horse is dehydrated. Fluids in the form of saline will be administered intravenously to hydrate the horse and bring moisture to the blockage causing the colic, helping it to pass.

    Surgery

    • In the most severe cases of colic, the blockage has caused the intestines to twist and surgery is necessary correct the problem. It is important that medications used to treat colic do not mask these signs of misplacement and, if a twist is suspected, immediate care should be sought. The short term success rate of surgery is fifty-one percent, while the long term success rates are shortened to only fifteen percent upon discharge.