Causes of Horse Colic

Horse colic is not a disease; it's a set of symptoms that indicate a pain in your horse's abdominal area. Symptoms of colic include signs of anxiety and nervousness, including tail twitching, pawing the ground, sweating and rolling. Your horse may turn to look back at his abdomen. Colic can be a serious condition. Learn to identify the symptoms so that you can take quick action if necessary.

  1. Gas Colic

    • The symptoms of gas colic are usually mild and non-life threatening. Occasionally, gas can build up in the large intestine. The intestinal wall may stretch slightly, causing pain. Symptoms include frequent passing of gas. This type of colic can be caused by a change in diet, stress or a parasite infestation. Some deworming medications can cause gas colic, too. Gentle walking and pain relievers are usually all that are needed to manage a gas colic.

    Impaction Colic

    • An impaction colic is caused by a blockage somewhere in the intestinal tract. Typically, this blockage is a food mass that's too large to easily pass. Most impaction colics resolve without incident if the horse is treated quickly. Dehydration is the most common cause of this type of colic, and it's more common in winter. Keep an eye on your horse's manure; if it looks dry, he could be heading for an impaction. To entice your horse to drink more, make sure his water is above 40 degrees F in winter. In summer, add a little apple juice to the water to make it more palatable.

    Displacement Colic

    • Twisted gut or displacement colic is extremely serious. A portion of the intestine has moved into an abnormal position, causing a total blockage. This requires immediate surgical correction. The early symptoms of this type of deadly colic are very similar to the less dangerous types, so it is essential that you are alert to the signs of colic and keep a very close eye on its progress. Speak to your veterinarian about colic preparedness and learn to take your horse's vital signs. These steps will ensure that you are ready in an emergency.

    Parasite Infections

    • Certain types of parasitic infections can cause colic. Strongyles, a dangerous parasitic worm, cause intestinal damage that can restrict blood flow to the intestine. Damage to the walls of the intestine cause a roughened surface that accumulates clots. Strongyles are not the only colic-producing parasite in horses; ascarids (roundworms) can cause a colic in younger horses and bot flies can cause a stomach blockage severe enough to result in colic.

    Stress

    • Travel, herd changes and schedule disruptions can contribute to stress in horses. To reduce stress and the chance of colic, acclimate your horse to changes slowly and gently. If she's not used to a trailer, start with short, easy rides. If you're introducing a new herd member, do so with herd hierarchy in mind. Any change in feed or turnout schedule should be introduced gradually. Horses are very sensitive to change, so monitor your horse for any unusual behavior when she's under stress.

    Quality Feed

    • Choose the best quality hay and grain for your horse. Learn how to test your hay for nutrient composition so that you can be sure your horse is getting adequate nutrition. Choose your hay carefully, looking for hay that is green, leafy and soft. Be sure your pastures are free from noxious weeds, blister beetles and poisonous plants. Don't overgraze pastures; your horse could end up eating too much sand and grit, putting him at risk for a sand colic.

    Colic Recovery

    • After a mild to moderate colic (one not requiring surgery), withhold hay and grain for 24 hours. Despite the pleading, doleful looks she'll give you, your horse will survive. Provide plenty of fresh, clean water. For the first two or three feedings, soak her hay to avoid gas buildup. Monitor your horse's manure output after a colic. Once normal feeding resumes, be sure your horse is "regular" and the manure looks normal. Maintain a gentle exercise schedule, letting your horse set the pace.