Colic

The term colic means pain in the abdomen or pain in the belly. There are many causes for such pain, ranging from the mild and inconsequential to the life-threatening or fatal. One of the problems with equine colic is that it can be very difficult in the early stages to distinguish the mild from the potential fatal. For this reason all cases of abdominal pain should be taken seriously from the onset.

What are the signs of colic?

The following list includes the most common signs:

Lying down more than usual
Getting up and lying down repeatedly
Standing stretched out
Standing frequently as if to urinate
Turning the head towards the flank
Repeatedly curling the upper lip
Pawing the ground
Grinding its teeth
Kicking at the abdomen
Rolling

In a case of colic you may see one of the above signs or a combination of them. The signs range from almost imperceptible in mild cases to extremely violent in severe cases.

What to do?

The first action is to phone the surgery and speak to one of the vets. We will talk through with you what signs you have observed and what action is appropriate. Do not administer any drugs before we speak to you.

Should I walk my horse?

Walking any horse that is experiencing a bought of colic is beneficial as long as they are not going to injure you or themselves whilst being led. Walking stimulates bowel movement and relieves some pain. Please call the surgery and ask to talk to a vet if you are unsure as to what is appropriate.

Will my horse need to have an operation?

The most important decision to be made is whether there is a need for surgical intervention or can the colic be treated with medication. This decision is not easy as colic presents in many ways and will progress unpredictably. We use a variety of clinical parameters to help us. 
Very often the first visit to the colic will result in resolution of the pain. The first visit will also provide a baseline to enable the progression of the colic to be tracked and a decision regarding treatment to be made.

What is the procedure if my horse requires colic surgery?

If your horse requires surgery you will be referred to a specialist surgical unit in Newmarket. It is essential that you have access to transport: either your own or provided by a third party.
Colic surgery is expensive often costing in excess of four thousand pounds. For this reason having your horse fully insured is highly recommended.

How can colic be prevented?

Listed below are some of the management factors which are thought to reduce colic incidence:

Make all changes in diet, exercise level and management slowly.
Control intestinal parasites and assess efficiency periodically
Ensure constant access to clean water
Do not feed moldy hay or grain
Do not feed or water horses before they have cooled down
Allow as much turnout as possible
Maintain a regular feeding schedule
Provide access to forage for as much of the day as possible
Do not over graze pastures