OWNERS,
BEWARE. THE NUMBER ONE KILLER OF HORSES IS COLIC!
But colic is not a disease.
Rather it is a combination of signs that alert us to abdominal pain in the horse.
Colic can range from mild to severe, but it should never be ignored. That's because
many of the conditions that cause colic can become life-threatening in a relatively
short period of time. Only by quickly and accurately recognizing colic - and
seeking qualified veterinary help - can the chance for recovery be maximized.
RECOGNIZING COLIC
A major problem for
you as a horse owner is identifying the signs of colic. That's because signs
can vary greatly between individuals and may also depend on the severity of the
pain. However, among the more common signs are:
Turning the head
toward the flank
Pawing
Kicking or biting
at the abdomen
Stretching out
as if to urinate without doing so
Repeatedly lying
down and getting up or attempting to do so
Rolling, especially
violent rolling
Sitting in a
dog-like position, or lying on the back
Lack of appetite
(anorexia)
Putting head
down to water without drinking
Lack of bowel
movements, as evidenced by the small number of manure piles
Absence of, or
reduced, digestive sounds
Sweating
Rapid respiration
and/or flared nostrils
Elevated pulse
rate (greater than 52 beats per minute)
Depression
Lip curling (Flehmen
response)
Cool extremities
TAKING IMMEDIATE ACTION
Time is perhaps the most
critical factor if colic is to be successfully treated. While a number of cases
resolve without medical intervention, a significant percentage do require prompt
medical care, including emergency surgery. If you suspect your horse is suffering
from colic, the following action plan is suggested:
Remove all food and
water.
Notify your veterinarian
immediately.
Be prepared to provide
the following specific information:
Pulse rate
Respiratory rate (breathing)
Rectal temperature
Color of mucous membranes
Capillary refill time
(tested by pressing on gums adjacent to teeth, releasing, then counting the seconds
it takes for color to return)
Behavioral signs, such
as pawing, kicking, rolling, depression, etc.
Digestive noises, or
lack of them
Bowel movements, including
color, consistency and frequency
Any recent changes
in management, feeding, or exercise
Medical history, including
deworming and any past episodes of abdominal pain
Breeding history and
pregnancy status if the patient is a mare, and recent breeding history if the
patient is a stallion
Insurance status and
value of the horse (NOTE: The insurance carrier should be notified if surgery
or euthanasia is being considered.)
Keep horse as calm
and comfortable as possible. Allow the animal to lie down if it appears to be
resting and is not at risk of injury.
If the horse is rolling
or behaving violently, attempt to walk the horse slowly.
Do not administer drugs
unless specifically directed to do so by your equine practitioner. Drugs may
camouflage problems and interfere with accurate diagnosis.
Follow your veterinarian's
advice exactly and await his or her arrival.
DIAGNOSING THE CAUSE
Your equine practitioner
will establish the severity of the colic and identify its cause. His or her examination
and/or treatment may include the following procedures:
Observation of such
signs as sweating, abdominal distension (bloating), rapid breathing, flared nostrils,
and abnormal behavior
Obtaining an accurate
history
Passage of a stomach
tube to determine presence of excess gas, fluids, and ingesta
Monitoring vital signs,
including temperature, pulse, respiration (TPR), color of the mucous membranes,
and capillary refill time
Rectal palpation for
evidence of intestinal blockage, distension, or other abnormalities
Blood test for white
cell count and other data
Abdominal tap in order
to evaluate protein level and cell type in the peritoneal fluid
Analgesics or sedatives
to relieve pain and distress
Avoid putting feed
on the ground, especially in sandy soils.
Make dietary and other
management changes as gradually as possible.
Reduce stress. Horses
experiencing changes in environment or workloads are at high risk of intestinal
dysfunction.
Pay special attention
to animals when transporting them or changing their surroundings, such as at
shows.
Observe foaling mares
pre- and postpartum for any signs of colic. Also watch carefully any horses who
have had a previous bout with colic. They may be at greater risk.
Maintain accurate records
of management, feeding practices, and health.
SUMMARY
Virtually
any horse is susceptible to colic. Age, sex, and breed differences in susceptibility
seem to be relatively minor. The type of colic seen appears to relate to geographic
or regional differences, probably due to environmental factors such as sandy
soil or climatic stress. Importantly,
what this tells us is that, with conscientious care and management, we have the
potential to reduce and control colic, the number one killer of horses. This
brochure was developed by the American Association of Equine Practitioners through
a grant from Bayer Corporation.
OWNERS,
BEWARE. THE NUMBER ONE KILLER OF HORSES IS COLIC! 
Virtually
any horse is susceptible to colic. Age, sex, and breed differences in susceptibility
seem to be relatively minor. The type of colic seen appears to relate to geographic
or regional differences, probably due to environmental factors such as sandy
soil or climatic stress. Importantly,
what this tells us is that, with conscientious care and management, we have the
potential to reduce and control colic, the number one killer of horses. This
brochure was developed by the American Association of Equine Practitioners through
a grant from Bayer Corporation.