Horse Colic

Colic is probably the most feared condition by horse owners and it is easy to assume the worst. It literally means abdominal pain and can be caused by any structure in the abdomen. In reality, most colic cases recover without the need of any significant veterinary treatment.

                                

Horses with colic will show some if not all of the following symptoms:

Pawing the ground
Lying down excessively
Sweating
Rolling
Kicking at or watching flanks
Groaning or grinding teeth

Horses may or may not pass faeces but it is important to monitor the amount produced vs. the normal for this horse.

Most colic’s tend to be mild and only require administration of painkillers and/or laxatives but a small number need further investigations such as sedation and rectal examination, nasogastric intubation, or a peritoneal tap.

                                     

Therefore it is important to examine colic cases as soon as possible. If your horse has colic then call the practice to arrange an examination.