Colic in horses is a term used to describe abdominal (belly) pain, usually caused by problems in the gastrointestinal tract. It is a clinical symptom rather than a specific disease, and there are over 70 different intestinal problems that can cause colic symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to life- threatening conditions
Causes of Colic in Horses
Colic pain can result from various issues such as:
- Intestinal spasms (cramps)
- Stretching of the gut wall by gas or feed material
- Loss of blood supply to parts of the intestine
- Intestinal entrapment or displacement (e.g., twisting or blockage)
- Other non-intestinal causes like bladder stones or ovarian problems (false colic)
Symptoms of Colic
Symptoms vary depending on severity:
- Mild: Lip curling, flank watching, restlessness, pawing the ground
- Moderate: Frequent urination posturing, lying down and getting up repeatedly, lying on the side for long periods
- Severe: Violent rolling, sweating, rapid breathing, injuries from thrashing around
Additional signs include loss of appetite, looking at or kicking the abdomen, grinding teeth, elevated heart rate, and changes in manure production
Treatment and Prognosis
- Mild cases may resolve with walking and minimal intervention.
- More severe cases require urgent veterinary attention and may need medical treatment (fluids, pain relief) or surgery.
- Early diagnosis and treatment improve survival rates significantly
Prevention
Preventive measures include:
- Maintaining a consistent feeding regime with adequate fiber (hay, grass)
- Appropriate worming programs to control parasites
- Avoiding sudden changes in diet or routine
- Ensuring access to clean water and managing stress
Colic is one of the most common and serious health issues in horses but with prompt veterinary care, many horses recover well
. In summary, colic is abdominal pain in horses primarily caused by gastrointestinal problems, presenting with various symptoms and requiring timely veterinary evaluation to determine the appropriate treatment.
