What causes Colic in horses?
Most of the time colic in horses is caused by abdominal pain usually within the stomach, intestines, or other related organs in the gut. In unusual instances, pain for another reason can cause a horse to appear like he/she has abdominal pain.
There are many causes of colic in horses. Often the reason a horse has colic is not known. Signs of colic are variable and do not signify why the horse has colic.
There are risk factors that can contribute to colic in horses. These include lack of water, changes in feed, change in weather, schedule changes, and parasites, although often there has not been a risk factor contributing to the colic.
What are the signs of Colic?
- Off feed or not eating
- Kicking at the stomach
- Rolling (though horses enjoy rolling at times)
- Lying down (though horses often enjoy lying down)
- Stretching
- Thrashing; including violent rolling, kicking, and other reactions to severe pain
- Depression
The severity of colic in horses is variable.
What is the treatment for Colic in horses?
Treatments can vary depending on the severity of colic. A single dose of oral medication or an injection by your veterinarian could be all that is necessary in some cases. In other instances, your veterinarian will do some simple diagnostics and determine if further treatments at your barn are necessary. Treatments might include passing a nasogastric tube (passing a tube into your horse’s stomach) and administering medications via the nasogastric tube. Palpation per rectum is diagnostic and can be helpful as a part of the treatments. If treatments at your barn have not resolved the colic your horse could be a candidate for referral to an institution or practice that can do further diagnostics and offer more treatments for your horse including surgery. If you are going to consider referring your horse for further diagnostics and treatment, try to be prepared ahead by having the ability to ship your horse or having a plan including someone that will be able to ship for you.
The decision to send your horse to a referral center is something to consider ahead of time knowing that it is both a financial and emotional decision. Have a discussion with your veterinarian prior to the occurrence of an emergency so that you have an idea of what the cost and expected outcome could be as well as aftercare for your horse.