Colic

The term 'colic' simply means abdominal pain. There are many causes of colic and symptoms range from very mild to violent.

What are the symptoms?

A horse with colic will show varying symptoms depending on the cause of the colic, how long it has been present and the stoicism of the patient. Mild colic symptoms include dullness, curling up of the top lip, adopting a 'straining to urinate' stance and lying quietly. Severe colic pain can cause a horse to roll and throw itself about in an uncontrolled and dangerous manner.

What causes colic?

Colic can be due to something as simple as a gut 'spasm' resulting froma change in diet or routine i.e a digestive upset or as serious as twisting of a part of the intestine with consequent strangulation of its blood supply. The more common causes include impaction (where the intestine becomes clogged with semi-digested food material), displacement of a segment of bowel from its normal position, torsion or twisting, strangulation through hernias or holes, strangulation by fatty tumours wrapping around them and other causes of obstruction.

How is colic treated?

Different types of colic require different treatments, so an accurate diagnosis is the first step. Simple large colon impactions usually respond to treatment by lubrication with oil, salt and water given by stomach tube. Many cases respond quickly to analgesics (pain killers) such as 'Buscopan' (a spasmolytic) and bute. Some cases require urgent aggressive treatment - either medical or surgical, if the horse's life is to be saved.

What should i do if my horse has colic?

Call the vet out immediately and explain the symptoms. Persistant severe pain usually indicates a serious problem and an emergency situation. If possible, keep the hore walking but do not attemp to take the horse out of its stable if it is in uncontrollable pain. Remember that the key to success with colic is early diagnosis and treatment. It is better that the horse has recovered when the vet has arrived rather than at 'deaths door' after waiting too long before seeking help.

Can i prevent my horse from getting colic?

To a certain extent - yes. regular worming to prevent damage to the intestine and its blood supply helps enormously. Keeping to a routine and avoiding sudden changes in management and feed types also helps. Horses and particularly theri intestines are creatures of habit. Changes should e made gradually and carefully. Horses who are injures or having a break from excercise should not be bedded on straw. Many will eat their bedding and their large intestines will become impacted with this. This can be preventedby bedding them on shavings , paper or other non-edible materials. They should have unlimited access to drinking water and, if possible, some excercise. Nevertheless, some cases of colic are neither preventable nor predictable. You must be alert to any changes in your horse's health.