Colic is a common problem in horses. The word colic simply means pain associated with the abdomen. Usually the pain emanates from the intestines, however other causes of abdominal pain may be confused with colic, such as foaling, pelvic fractures, tying up and kidney/bladder problems.

Colic is a descriptive term; it is not in itself a diagnosis. The signs vary from severe to mild, and will usually include, inappetence, lying down, rolling, kicking at the abdomen, straining as if to pass urine, restlessness, sweating, increased heart rate and respiratory rates.

If your horse has any of the above signs it could have colic. Colic is serious; it accounts for a high proportion of deaths in adult horses. Fortunately the commonest type (spasmodic colic) responds well to medical treatment.

Colics can be divided into five broad groupings.

Spasmodic

This is by far the commonest type of colic. It may be caused by changes in diet; changes in work patterns, uncontrolled worm infestation, badly cared for teeth, or even transport. There will often be audible rumbling from the abdomen. This type of colic responds well to treatment by your Vet. Spasmodic colic may well be a contributory factor in the development of more serious types of colic.

Tympanitic

Associated with ingestion of large amounts of highly fermentable feeds, e.g. fresh lush grass or grain. Large amounts of gas build up in the intestine causing colic. This type of colic usually responds well to treatment by your Vet. and may be very dramatic but not life threatening.

Impactive

This occurs when the intestines develop a blockage of food material. Usually found when a horse suddenly starts eating its bedding (straw or poor quality hay) often due to a management change. Contributory factors include anything from poor teeth, to irregular feeding. Treatment will usually involve administration of large amounts of liquid paraffin by stomach tube. An unusual type of impactive colic is 'sand' colic. In some parts of the world where conditions are dry / arid sand colic can in fact be very common, however, in Britain it is rare. Treatment usually consists of stomach tubing with bulking agents such as 'isogel'.

Displacements

A rarer form of colic occurs when part of the intestine becomes trapped in the wrong part of the abdomen, commonly around the spleen. These cases frequently require surgical correction, but occasionally can be treated medically.

Strangulating (Twisted Gut)

This is the most serious type of colic. Usually caused by the intestines becoming twisted, these cases will often be in tremendous pain, and will require speedy surgery to save them. The outlook even with modern surgical techniques is never good.

This foal is showing the signs of severe colic. Foals sometimes get colic due to retention of the 'meconium' (foetal faeces). This is a form of constipation, and can usually be treated by administering enemas.

What should you do if your horse has colic?

1. Call your Vet. Many cases will respond to medical treatment, however it is frequently almost impossible in the early stages to tell if surgery may be required. All colic cases should be closely monitored for at least 24 hours after the signs have resolved.

2. Whilst waiting for your Vet. you may gently walk the horse, however if the signs are violent do not force the horse to walk. Place it in a large loose box, with a deep bed, and make sure there are no projections it could injury itself on if it goes down.

3. Remove ALL FOOD. You must provide water if the horse wishes to drink.

4. Make sure your horse is insured against the possibility of having colic. Colic surgery can easily cost £1,500.00 or more.

5. Worm your horse frequently to help prevent colic in the first place.

6. Ask your Vet. to do a regular dental health check on your horse at least once yearly.

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