Few words may strike fear into the heart of an equestrian like the phrase “colic.” While stomachaches are unpleasant for everyone, they are especially problematic for horses. Colic is much more serious than the common ‘tummy aching’. It is not only excruciatingly uncomfortable, but it can be lethal. Horses cannot vomit, therefore any gastrointestinal problem can soon worsen. Continue reading to learn more about colic from a local horse veterinarian in Wichita, KS.

What is Colic?

Colic is a broad term that is commonly used to describe stomach pain. Colic can strike any horse at any moment, regardless of age, breed, gender, activity level (or lack thereof), or overall health. Colic affects 4–10 percent of horses. It’s worth mentioning that some breeds, particularly Thoroughbreds, face greater risk than others.

What Are the Different Types of Colic?

There are various types of colic. In many situations, the type or source of colic remains unknown.

Having said that, here are the important ones:

Gas Colic: Gas colic is caused by a buildup of gasses within the horse’s digestive tract. Dietary factors can contribute to this. In rare circumstances, too much sugar may be the cause. Others may experience it as a result of sudden dietary changes.

Spasmodic Colic: This type of colic occurs when the horse’s bowel contracts, resulting in painful spasms. Dietary changes are frequently the trigger.

Impaction Colic: Occurs when there is a blockage in the horse’s digestive system. There are numerous potential explanations for this, including dehydration and tooth problems.

Displacement Colic: Displacement colic happens when a portion of the digestive system shifts out of position. This is often caused by a blockage or gas accumulation.

Sand Colic: Sand colic occurs when horses consume sand while grazing on sandy terrain.

Strangulation Colic: This is one of the most dangerous forms. It occurs when the horse’s intestines become twisted.

The severity of colic can vary greatly. Some horses recover within a day, even without veterinary care. In other circumstances, it unfortunately can be fatal. Some situations can be resolved with prompt therapy, while others will necessitate more significant measures, including surgery.

What Causes A Horse To Get Colic?

Colic can be caused by a variety of factors, as previously stated. Many times, it is not immediately evident what triggered the problem.

Here are some of the potential causes:

• Improper Diet (Often Feeds High In Starch Or Sugar)
• Rapid Dietary Changes
• Dehydration
• Moldy Hay
• Dirty Water
• Gas Buildup
• Cribbing
• Stress Overwork
• Feed Impaction.
• Grain Overload
• Sand Ingestion
• Parasite Infection
• Dental Issues
• Improper Activity/Schedule
• Infections
• Ulcer
• Low Forage

With horses, we always recommend taking every precaution and effort to keep your horse in peak condition. Maintain Silver’s veterinary checkups, and don’t hesitate to seek specialized guidance from your equine veterinarian.

What Are the Warning Signs of Colic in Horses?

There is no way to totally prevent colic, no matter how attentive you are in taking care of your horse, so learning how to recognize the symptoms is critical.

Here are some common warning signs:

• Restlessness
• Pacing
• Pawing At The Ground Or Air
• Kicking Or Biting The Abdomen
• Rolling
• Grinding Teeth 
• Loss Of Appetite
• Stretching Out (As If To Urinate)
• Few Or Infrequent Droppings
• Abdominal Bloat
• Increased Heart Rate.
• Lethargy
• Laying Down For Extended Periods
• Getting Up And Down Repeatedly.
• Small Or Dry Fecal Balls
• Diarrhea
• Change In Drinking Behavior
• Heavy Or Fast Breathing
• Sweating
• Tacky Or Dry Gums
• Fever And Changes In Manure Consistency
• Crankiness
• Undigested Grain In Feces

If you detect any of these red signals, contact your Wichita, KS emergency horse veterinarian immediately.

How Can You Prevent Colic?

There are steps you may take to lessen the likelihood of your hooved companion having colic. Let’s go over a few of the important ones:

Fresh Water

Fresh, clean water is a basic requirement for all of our animal companions, including horses. Making care to keep the containers clean is also critical.

Keep in mind that many horses dislike cold water, so you may require heated buckets in the winter. If you are concerned that your horse is not drinking enough, you can administer electrolytes, organic apple juice, and/or salt.

Adequate Salt Intake

Speaking of salt, did you know that salt licks can help prevent colic? In truth, salt insufficiency in horses is far more frequent than you may think. As a general rule, horses require one to two ounces of salt every day. That salt lick may be more vital than you realize!

Nutrition

We cannot underline the importance of a healthy diet enough. The exact proportions will vary from horse to horse, so this is something you want to talk to your equine vet about.

In addition to ensuring your horse gets enough fiber, you may need to alter your supplements. Prebiotics, probiotics & enzymes can all make a significant difference in your horse’s overall health. It’s also necessary to make changes gradually. Ask your horse vet for specific advice.

Turnout

Horses are, by nature, always on the move. They really just aren’t built to stand around in a stall all day. If Silver isn’t getting enough turnout, he will be at increased risk of colic. Plus, being cooped up can increase the chances of cribbing, which is also a colic risk.

Keep in mind that foraging and grazing aren’t just about diet with horses: these are very natural behaviors that our equine pals need both physically and mentally.

Proper Feeding Stations

Sand colic should be an immediate concern for anyone living in spots with sandy soil. Substrates can also cause this issue, so it doesn’t have to be sand. Providing feed in a net or elevated feeder can help reduce the ingestion of sand. You can also put mats down below feeders. Soaking hay with water before feeding can also help.

Minimize Stress

As anyone who has been around horses can vouch, our equine companions are both emotional and a bit flighty, and can easily get very stressed. Keeping your horse calm and happy will also help keep him healthy. Pay extra attention during times or situations that can cause stress. Major changes, friction with herd mates, travel, overworking, pain … these things can all upset Silver, which will in turn upset his stomach.

Dental Issues

Having your horses’ teeth checked regularly and floated is also very important here. If Silver can’t chew properly, he will swallow undigested grain, which is not good for him.

Parasite Control

Don’t forget those dewormers! Horses are at risk of developing several parasites, many of which can directly cause colic.

Proper Veterinary Care

Never underestimate the importance of good wellness and preventative care. That includes not just regular exams from your Wichita, KS horse veterinarian, but also appointments with your farrier. When it comes to horse care, an ounce of prevention may be worth several pounds of cure!

Make An Appointment At Our Equestrian Veterinary Clinic

Are you looking for a great equestrian veterinarian in Wichita, KS? Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.