Colic in horses is a collective term for pain in the abdominal cavity that can be triggered by a variety of causes. The symptoms and risk factors can vary depending on the time of year. In spring and summer, when fresh grass is available, digestive disorders can occur due to the high fructan content (fructan is a carbohydrate) and the rapid change in feed. Typical symptoms of colic are restlessness, repeated lying down and standing up, sweating, hitting the stomach with the hind legs and a lack of or reduced faeces. In autumn and winter, a lack of exercise and the change to a high-fibre feed such as hay can be the cause of digestive problems. Regardless of the time of year, it is important to pay careful attention to signs of colic and to act quickly, as this can be life-threatening for the horse.
As we know that colic in particular can quickly cause horse owners great concern, we have summarised some first aid tips and detailed information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of colic as well as preventative measures on this page.
First aid tips
If colic is suspected in a horse, quick action and the right first aid measures are crucial to support the animal's well-being and minimise possible complications until the vet arrives. Here are some important first aid tips:
1. Keep calm
Keep calm and try to reassure the horse. Stress can make the situation worse.
2. Call your vet
Contact our clinic on +41 62 885 30 20, a telephone number that you can reach around the clock. The vet will discuss the next steps with you.
3. Observe the symptoms
While waiting for the vet to arrive, make a note of the symptoms observed, including the frequency of lying down, rolling, sweating and other abnormal behaviour. This can help the vet to make a quicker and more accurate diagnosis.
4. Remove lining
Remove all food sources immediately to prevent further ingestion. However, water should still be available unless the vet explicitly advises against it.
5. Light movement
If the horse is willing and does not show extreme pain, a light lead can help. It stimulates intestinal activity and can help to reduce gas build-up. However, avoid over-exerting the horse or forcing it to walk.
6. Avoid medication without consultation
Do not give the horse painkillers or other medication without talking to the vet first, as this can mask the symptoms and make diagnosis more difficult.
Recognising the symptoms early and acting quickly can be crucial in saving a horse's life. Colic should always be considered an emergency, so it is important to contact the vet immediately at the first sign. In the case of very severe colic, the horse may no longer be aware of its surroundings and may lie down or roll uncontrollably due to the severe pain. In such cases, please take particular care not to be injured, keep a sufficient distance from your horse and ensure that you are not trapped between the wall of the stall and the horse, for example.
Symptoms
The symptoms of colic in horses can be diverse and vary depending on the cause and severity of the illness and the individual horse's perception of pain. At the slightest suspicion of colic, a vet should be contacted immediately, as colic can signal serious health problems and in some cases be life-threatening.
- Restlessness and conspicuous behaviour
- Intensive rolling
- Excessive sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Reduced or missing faeces
- Flatulence
- Changed respiratory rate
- Kicking or biting in the abdominal area
- Licking of objects or unusual chewing
- Little to no bowel sounds
- Stretching posture
- Altered heart rate
Cause
Colic in horses can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from relatively harmless digestive disorders to serious health problems. The main causes can be divided into a few basic categories:
Digestive causes
- Change of feed
Sudden changes in diet, especially the transition from little to much fresh food, can cause digestive disorders. - Poor feed quality
Spoiled or mouldy food can cause digestive problems. - Overeating
Consuming large amounts of food, especially grain or fresh grass, can lead to overloading and fermentation in the stomach, which can cause gas or even intestinal blockage. - Insufficient water absorption
A low fluid intake can lead to hardening of the intestinal contents and to impaction colic (blockage of the intestine by solid feed).
Management-related causes
- Lack of exercise
Restricted exercise or stall rest can slow down intestinal activity and increase the risk of colic. - Parasite infestation
worm infestation can lead to inflammation and blockages in the digestive tract. - Stress
transport, changes in the environment or the herd can cause stress that impairs digestion.
Medical causes
- torsion of the bowel
one of the most severe forms of colic, requiring immediate surgical intervention. - constipation
accumulation of dry, solid faeces in the large intestine, often due to lack of water intake or exercise. - gas formation
Excessive gas build-up in the intestines can be painful and is often the result of fermentation of certain foods. - gastric ulcers
Common in sport horses, can cause pain showing colic-like symptoms. - diseases of the internal organs
problems with organs such as the liver, kidneys or urogenital system can also lead to abdominal pain. - hormonal or metabolic disorders
Certain conditions, such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome, can indirectly lead to colic symptoms.
Treatment
After a thorough examination, the colic patient is usually given painkillers and antispasmodics, which help to relieve spasms in the intestinal tract and should lead to a rapid improvement in the general condition. However, in more severe cases or if conservative methods are unsuccessful, surgical intervention may also be necessary. This decision is made based on a thorough diagnosis and the veterinarian's assessment. Surgery may be necessary to remove obstructions, correct intestinal obstructions or treat other serious complications.
After acute treatment, careful aftercare is crucial. This includes hospitalisation in our clinic, including round-the-clock monitoring, adjustment of feeding and management and, if necessary, the administration of medication to aid recovery and prevent relapses. Close co-operation between horse owners and vets plays a key role in the successful treatment and recovery from colic.
Behaviour afterwards
Follow-up treatment of a colic episode is essential both for the full recovery of the horse and to minimise the risk of recurrence. Here are some general guidelines:
1. Feed supply: After an episode of colic, the feed should be re-administered slowly and in small quantities so as not to overload the digestive tract. The exact composition and quantity of the feed depends on the cause of the colic and the horse's state of health.
2. Movement: Light exercise can promote bowel movement and prevent constipation. However, the intensity and duration of exercise should be increased gradually, based on the vet's recommendation.