Symptoms of Horse Colic

Significance

• Although colic is a common condition in horses it varies in type and degree which can be mild to severe. In the wild, horses consume forage and are constantly in motion lessening the possibility of developing a severe case of colic. Well meaning owners may not realize that simple changes in a horse's routine may result in a case of colic. Learning about the horse's physiology can help you to provide your horse with the best care.

Types

• Colic is a condition that can range from mild discomfort to life threatening. There are different types of colic but since early symptoms can be similar it is often difficult to distinguish what type of colic your horse has. A veterinarian should be called whenever any type of colic is suspected. The various types of colic are listed below.
  Gas colic results from a build up of gas in the intestines causing pain.
  Impaction colic occurs when a mass of food causes a blockage in the intestines.
  Spasmodic colic causes intestinal contractions that increase in pain intensity and frequency.

Features

• Recognizing the early symptoms of colic can make the difference in saving your horse's life. Listed below are the symptoms that can indicate colic:
  Restlessness
  Horse may look at and/or nip at flanks
  Horse may paw at the ground
  Horse may kick at abdomen
  Excessive diarrhea
  Lack of manure
  Hard or runny manure
  Roll or stretch in unusual positions
  Lying down and getting up repeatedly
  Rocking of the jaw
  Raising upper lip
  Repeatedly shifting weight on hind legs

Considerations

• Colic can be caused by several factors such as eating moldy hay, feed changes and intestinal parasites. Colic is sometimes associated with heat cycles and pregnancy. It can be caused by ingesting dust and sand. Allowing a hot horse to ingest too much water without cooling first can also result in colic.

Effects

• Colic can cause mild discomfort to intense pain. In severe cases of colic the heart rate and breathing increase. Sweating may occur. The intestines can become twisted. The horse may be unable to defecate and blockage may occur. The horse may become lethargic or aggressive as he experiences intense abdominal spasms and cramping.

Warning

• Severe complications can result from colic. If a portion of the intestine gets twisted the horse requires immediate surgery. Inflammation of the small or large intestine can result causing infection which needs medical attention. Distention can occur when the stomach contents swell. This is a life-threatening situation. If the stomach ruptures, death is imminent.

Prevention/Solution

• In some cases colic can be prevented by taking proper measures regarding feeding and care. Maintain a regular feed schedule for your horse. Allow as much turnout time as possible. Never feed your horse moldy hay or grain. Provide your horse with constant access to clean water. Maintain a regular schedule of exercise. Provide your horse with access to forage as much as possible. It is important to control intestinal parasites. Make any changes to your horse's diet, feeding schedule or exercise routine slowly to avoid colic.