WHAT IS COLIC?
Colic is one of the most common equine emergencies, accounting for 1 in 3 emergency call outs. Colic is a general term for abdominal pain, so can be associated with a wide range of conditions affecting any abdominal organ but most commonly involves the intestines. As there are so many causes, from mild intestinal cramps to the dreaded 'twisted gut', there are many different treatments depending on the condition. Around 1 in 10 cases are critical, potentially leading to death of the horse, so it is vital to recognise colic signs early and seek prompt veterinary attention.1
HOW TO SPOT IF YOUR HORSE HAS COLIC
If you horse seems unwell, think REACT:
R restless or agitated
E eating less or droppings reduced
A abdominal pain
C clinical changes
T tired or lethargic
Classic signs of colic are a horse that is uncomfortable - sweating, pawing at the ground, getting up and down, looking or kicking at the belly and rolling. Some show more subtle signs of pain such as grinding teeth, reluctance to eat, passing fewer droppings and being generally dull.
The heart and breathing rate will be increased and the gums can change in colour.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR HORSE HAS COLIC
If you suspect colic, call your vet immediately. Some causes of colic affect the blood supply to the intestine, so the more quickly your horse is treated, the better the chances of survival.
Make the environment as safe as possible in case your horse tries to go down or roll - ensure there is plenty of bedding and remove objects such as buckets that could cause injury. Keep yourself safe too - wear a hard hat and gloves, and use a lunge line if you have to lead your horse. Remember a horse in pain can be unaware of its surroundings and behave unpredictably.
Lying down or rolling does not make colic worse or cause the gut to twist. Gentle walking for maximum 15 minutes if your horse is in a lot of pain is unlikely to cause harm, but prolonged walking will just exhaust an already painful and distressed animal and there is a risk of further injury if the horse goes down on concrete. In most cases your horse is best left alone in the stable.
While waiting for your vet to arrive, consider what to do if your horse needs hospitalisation and/or surgery. Do you have to contact your insurance company and how would you transport your horse to hospital if this was required?
CAUSES OF COLIC
One of the most common types is spasmodic colic, where sections of the gut go into spasm, causing intermittent sharp pain and often loud gut sounds. In tympanic, or gas colic, excess gas builds up, causing stretching of the intestine, which leads to pain. These usually respond well to medical treatment.
Impactions due to to dry, solid food or faeces (and sometimes sand) usually affect the large intestine. This type of colic often causes milder pain so can be harder to spot. It can take some time to relieve the impaction, and in a small number of cases, surgery is required.
Colic can occur when part of the intestine moves into the wrong position in the abdomen or twists on itself. Depending which area is involved and how it has displaced, this can be a mild through to a very severe condition requiring emergency surgery.
Other conditions that can cause colic include worm damage, grass sickness, tumours and liver disease.
REDUCING THE RISK OF COLIC
There are many factors that could increase the risk of colic, but there are some simple steps that you can take to help reduce the risk of your horse developing colic.
- Stick to a routine and make any changes to diet or exercise gradually
- Ensure constant access to clean fresh drinking water
- Feed mostly forage - if concentrates are needed, feed little and often
- Maintain a strategic worm control programme
- Dental checks should be done every 6-12 months
Lush grass can ferment in the intestine, increasing the risk of spasmodic and gas colics, so you may need to restrict grazing in spring and autumn when grass is growing fast. Conversely very cold weather can reduce the amount your horse eats and drinks, increasing the risk of an impaction, especially if your horse is also exercising less. Make sure your horse is getting enough supplementary forage if needed, e.g. when there is snow on the ground.
If your horse is prone to colic or has had colic surgery, speak to your vet for management advice.
Equitop® Pronutrin contains a pectin-lecithin complex and is ideal for horses that would benefit from nutritional support for gastric health. It can be fed continuously or at times when the horse is at risk of gastric stress.