Cinch Magazine

Although there are a number of reasons why a horse may exhibit colic, the most common is Intestinal Dysfunction, which can include anything from gas to an impaction, where something has lodged itself and the intestine has become backed up.

Inside the horse, the large intestine consists of the cecum, large and small colon, and the rectum. The large colon measures anywhere from ten to twelve feet in length and eight to eighteen inches in width and is able to hold up to twenty gallons of substance. The problem often occurs at the pelvic flexure, a sharp, narrow turn between the left ventral colon and the left dorsal colon where impaction most commonly takes place.

 Because digestion occurs at such a slow rate in the horse's large intestine, the cecum (also called the "water gut") and the large colon expand in order to contain more chyme (semi-digested food). In the case of gas in the intestine, the intestine will literally expand, pushing upward. It can go two places: on the inside of the spleen, or up around the outside which puts the horse at risk of hooking its colon overtop the spleen. Often times this will require surgery to mend, but some cases can be treated medically on the farm. When a horse lies on its right side, it is placing pressure on the intestine to work its way higher around the spleen. However, when a colicky horse lies on it's left, it can be allowed to stay in that position for a short duration.

 If a horse is put through intense exercise the bacterial population in the large intestine can become disrupted causing colic and a variety of other digestive disorders, making it important to properly cool a horse after exercise.  

If you suspect that your horse has colic, call your vet immediately. There's no vaccine for colic. Quick and correct treatment is all you have available once symptoms appear.

Based on your description of the horse, your vet will most likely choose to come to the farm. There, they will do an examination of the horse by checking the heart rate (normal: 32-40bpm), rectal temperature (normal: 37-38.5°C or 99-101°F), and the capillary refill time (gum's pink colour should return two seconds after pressure on the gum line above the teeth). Your vet will conduct a rectal palpation to judge if, and where, there is an impaction or displaced bowel.

In the case of gas colic your vet may treat the animal with mineral oil and water to flood the gut and break up the clog. Another way a vet may treat colic is with "anti-gas", which is administered via a nasal tube to the stomach. This transforms the gas into bubbles. Since horses cannot burp this allows them to pass the gas more easily.

Even if your vet chooses to hold off coming to the farm or is on their way there, you should continue to monitor and care for your horse. A common myth with colic is to walk your horse. This does not aid the horse's ability to pass the gas. It is only necessary to keep the animal preoccupied if it persists to lie down. If this is the case you should walk your horse slowly in an open area. If the horse will stand and remain calm then leave it be.

Always keep an ill horse in a large space such as an arena or paddock. This way if your horse does choose to lie down, he will not risk further injury by becoming pinched or cast against a wall. Staying in a wide space also makes for an easier removal if euthanasia is ultimately decided upon.

In no circumstance should you administer any painkillers such as Banimine or Bute without the direct instruction of your vet. Painkillers do not solve colic, they merely relieve pain and can mask signs that warn of further complications.

Only a veterinarian should administer anything to a colicky horse via nasal, rectum, mouth or an intravenous injection. Any action taken by an inexperienced individual can place your horse at great risk of internal damage or choking.

Some natural or herbal remedies can do more damage than good, so avoid all without specific instructions from your veterinarian.

A recovered horse will begin to search for food, but meals should be reduced and only gradually returned to normal after a bout of colic. Do not feed grain for whatever duration your vet recommends- usually one to three days. Take your horse off all exercise for two to four days (this may vary do to the severity of the colic so follow the schedule your vet prescribes).

In order to prevent colic you will want to be aware of a few things. A change in behavior can signify pain, so it is always good to know your horse's normal vital signs and habits. A sudden change in diet- whether it is an increase, decrease in feed, or new diet- is a common cause of colic. Feed good quality feeds little and often, making all changes radually, including changes in turnout and exercise. Any grains in a horse's diet should be less than 50% of their total daily feed. Always provide your horse with clean fresh water- snow is never a substitute! With the help of your vet, devise a parasite control program for your horse and do not administer medications without the instructions of your vet.

Apart from these, the most effective way to prevent colic is to prevent stress. This means, when traveling, you'll need to stop every one to two hours to offer your horse water and a break from the motion of the trailer. Remember to try and avoid undue stress, and take other preventative measures to keep your horse relaxed.

Be aware and understand that the risks of colic bouts are great, but your observation and preventative action can lessen its emotional, financial and physical hazard to both you and your horse. Take comfort knowing that most cases of colic do resolve without any complications at all. But in any circumstance, care for your horse like you would your best friend. Take colic seriously. Your immediate action and proper treatment may be your horse's only life support if the problem proves to be great.