subject: Horse Colic: What All Horse Owners Should Be Aware of [print this page] Horse Colic: What All Horse Owners Should Be Aware of
The best tip that every horse owner can get when it comes to horse colic problems is to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. To prevent the colic from worsening, it is best to treat the horse without delay.
Causes of horse colic:
Accumulation of gas fluid or feed
Digestive disturbances
Intestinal obstructions
Internal parasites
Twisted intestine
Digestive colic is caused by the following factors:
Overeating
Swallowing air, commonly known as "wind sucking"
Sudden change in diet
Moldy feed
Heavy meals before a performance
Feeding or watering the horse right after a performance
Here are some common obvious symptoms to let you know if your horse is possibly suffering from horse colic:
Pawing at the ground
Lack of appetite
Refusing to drink
Looking at their belly
Lying down and getting up frequently
Rolling on their backs
Muscle strain
Stamping of feet
Kicking at their belly
When you suspect that your horse is suffering from colic, take note of the following:
Vital signs elevated or below normal temperature, increased respiration rate, elevated heart rate
Severity of abdominal pain horses have more insistent and restless behavior based on the symptoms mentioned above
Length of pain take note of when the horse's pain started by recalling when your horse started showing behavioral signs and symptoms
Digestive sounds take note if there is a presence of gut sounds or none
Capillary refill time press on your horse's gums, releasing it and counting the time it takes for the color to return
Whatever the severity of the horse colic, it is advisable not to treat your horse on your own. Avoid administering drugs by yourself as it might affect the accuracy of the veterinarian's diagnosis. After the veterinarian has fully assessed your horse, you may now administer horse medications be sure to follow the proper dosage and interval of administration as stated in the medicine package or as recommended by your veterinarian. Remember, administering horse medications improperly may result in worsening your horse's condition!
