Colic in a horse is a life-threatening condition. A veterinarian must be alerted as soon as possible. It is a labor-like pain that can have various causes. Learn what to do if your horse shows signs of colic and how to recognize such a condition.

These Symptoms Indicate Colic In A Horse

Every horse reacts differently to pain. Thus, even if the signs of colic are minor, it may be a severe case of colic. Likewise, not all of the signs of colic below may be present, or your horse may even show other signs when he is feeling poorly due to colic. It is important that you pay attention to whether your horse is showing circulation problems or signs of abdominal pain. Typical symptoms of colic in a horse are:

• Your horse looks to his belly often.
• The horse seems absent and lies down at times when he normally does not rest.
• No limping, urination, and loss of appetite indicate colic in the horse.
• Your horse will try to kick himself against the painful building area and will restlessly stomp his legs.
• Restless rolling, attempts to stay on his back.
• The horse tries to sit down.
• Associated with pawing, there may be respiratory disturbances, sweating, and circulatory disturbances.
• Hardly any gut sounds are heard or too many gut sounds occur.
• Horses often throw themselves exaggeratedly on the ground and roll around strained.
• Restless pacing around the barn as well as flehmen can be other signs of colic.

What Does A Horse’s Intestine Usually Sound Like?

The food processed into mush in the horse’s body moves at regular intervals from the small intestine to the appendix, which is part of the horse’s large intestine. Therefore, if your horse’s intestines are functioning normally, you should hear a sound on the right side of your horse that sounds bubbling. If you go to the left side of the horse’s abdomen, a gurgling sound can be heard there. Rolling sounds can be heard. If colic is suspected, it is imperative that a veterinarian be consulted immediately, as this disease symptom can be fatal to your horse.

Colic – Horse And Owner Are Waiting For The Vet. But What Can You Do Until Then?

First aid for horses is immensely important in this situation. Even if your horse is doing well, you should write down the resting values that are normal for a horse. This will help you and the veterinarian to better assess the seriousness of the situation. In case of emergency, you can compare the values for a pulse, temperature, and respiration (abbreviated as PAT values) with the normal values. An adult horse, in a healthy and rested condition, usually has the following PAT values:

• Pulse: 28 – 40 beats per minute
• Breaths: Eight – 16 per minute
• Horse body temperature: 37.5 to 38.2 degrees Celsius

In addition, if there are signs of colic, do not give food or water to the horse. You can lead your horse at a walk – the indoor arena is generally a quiet and familiar place for your horse. The movement stimulates intestinal activity. Likewise, it can roll and lie down here without hurting itself or others. But don’t let your horse lie down for too long and lead it again at a walk, otherwise, the circulation will suffer. With a lunge line, you can keep even more distance from your horse while rolling, which provides additional safety for you. If your horse wants to roll, let him roll calmly, as this can loosen any intestinal tangles. In case your horse needs to go to a clinic, it is advisable to have a horse hanger ready. Think in time about horse health insurance.

What Happens When The Vet Arrives?

Usually, the vet will give painkillers and antispasmodics. This can restore normal bowel function and help your horse. If this does not succeed, it may be necessary to check the condition of the stomach with a nasogastric tube passed through the nostrils, larynx, and into the esophagus. If the fluid is acidic, this is a good sign. If, on the other hand, alkaline fluid is seen here with digestive fluid, this indicates that, for example, because of a kinked piece of intestine, this fluid has run from the small intestine into the stomach. Since horses cannot vomit because the stomach valve can only be opened to one side, this case is life-threatening

Feeding The Horse After Colic

Good hay that makes your horse drink enough is important after colic. The concentrated feed for your horse can be divided into three or more feedings so that it takes in smaller amounts throughout the day. It is important that your horse eats the roughage first and then the concentrated feed. Also, shavings as bedding in the box can help your horse after colic. As with other illnesses, mash, muesli (with a small number of pellets), crushed oats and a cup full of linseed oil (only linseed oil is suitable for this) with the concentrate are helpful for your horse. No treats, but your horse is welcome to eat carrots. It is important to follow the advice of your veterinarian.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have To Call A Vet Directly If I Suspect Colic?

It is vital for your horse that you call a vet. It is not possible to wait, you must act quickly.

Can My Horse Eat If Colic Is Suspected?

No, do not give your horse food if colic is suspected.

Sources:

https://www.st-georg.de/wissen/kolik-beim-pferd-alarmstufe-rot/