Horse Colic Treatment

The leading cause of death in domestic horses, colic is a generic term which describes abdominal pain. Colic can have many causes beyond gut health--infections, feeding habits, and even weather can produce colic-like symptoms in a domesticated horse. Treatment for colic is two-fold--treating the underlying cause of the colic if possible, and then treating the symptoms. Colic can be a fatal situation in horses, so immediate treatment is essential.

  1. Walking

    • One of the first treatments for colic is walking. The circulatory system of a horse is dependent upon the ability to move. By keeping a colicking horse moving, the circulation is improved and may lessen the symptoms or cause the colic to go completely. As colic has many causes, a mild colic caused by overwork or weather may be completely treated by walking, while a more severe colic from an impaction or a twisted intestine will require more advanced treatments.

    Mineral Oil

    • A horse with colic is often treated by the application of mineral oil internally. This procedure is done by a veterinarian inserting a plastic tube into the nasal cavity and downwards directly into the stomach. The vet will then pour mineral oil into the tube, directly into the horse's digestive system. This treatment serves two purposes--it lubricates the digestive tract to assist in moving any blockages and it acts as a laxative. This treatment is appropriate for mild to moderate cases of colic.

    Bran or Psyllium

    • One of the best known homeopathic remedies for sand colic is the feeding of bran or psyllium tablets. While there are no scientific studies to prove that this assists in curing colic, bran is a known laxative and is recommended by many horse owners in the case of a sand colic. Psyllium is a variety of plant used as a form of fiber, much like bran, and has a similar effect upon horses; it is sold in feed and tack stores in pellet form and may be fed as a colic preventative.

    Pain Relievers

    • Colic is a painful condition for the horse, and while treating the symptoms is secondary to treating the primary cause, it may be impossible to work with a large animal in severe stages of distress. Pain relievers, such as Banamine, a non-sterolidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) are used as a colic treatment and to ease the animal's distress. As Banamine can also mask the symptoms of a colic, it is critical to consult with a professional before administering, as masking the symptoms may only hide a worsening condition.

    Surgery

    • The most extreme of colic treatments is surgery. This is done in the case of a severe blockage which cannot be moved through other means, or for a colic caused by a twisted or damaged intestine. In the cases of colic that require surgery, swift attention by a veterinary professional is crucial to the horse's chance for survival. As surgery on a large animal is both expensive and logistically difficult, this is treatment is the least common of all colic treatments.