Preventing Colic in Horses: Tips From A Veterinarian

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 not only excruciatingly painful, it can be lethal. Horses cannot vomit, therefore any gastrointestinal problems are very dangerous. Continue reading to learn more about colic from a local horse veterinarian in.

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. 

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

Impaction Colic: 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: Caused by ingestion of sand while grazing on sandy terrain.

Strangulation Colic: The horse’s intestines become twisted. This is extremely dangerous.

The severity of colic patients might vary greatly. Some horses recover within a day, even without veterinary care. In other circumstances, colic 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

Keep up with your horse’s veterinary checkups, and don’t hesitate to seek specialized guidance from your Des Moines, IA equine veterinarian.

What Are the Main 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 And Loss Of Appetite
• Stretching Out (As If To Urinate)
• Passing Little Or Infrequent Droppings
• Abdominal Distention
• Increased Heart Rate
• Lethargy
• Laying Down For Extended Periods
• Getting Up And Down 
• Small Or Dry Fecal Balls
• Diarrhea
• Lack Of Manure Production
• Change In Drinking Behavior
• Respiratory Issues
• Sweating
• Tacky/Dry Gums
• Fever 
• changes in manure consistency.
• Crankiness
• Undigested grain in feces

If you detect any of these red signals, contact your 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.

Dental Issues

Having your horses’ teeth checked and floated regularly is also very important. If Silver can’t chew properly, he’ll eat undigested grain, which is bad for him.

Parasite Control

Don’t forget the dewormers! Horses are susceptible to a variety of parasites, many of which can induce colic.

Adequate Salt Intake

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. 

Nutrition

We cannot underline the importance of a healthy diet. In addition to ensuring your horse gets enough fiber, you may need to alter your supplements. Prebiotics, probiotics, and enzymes can all significantly improve your horse’s general health. For more precise guidance, consult your Exeter, CA equine veterinarian.

Turnout

Horses are inherently mobile. They simply aren’t meant to stand around in a stall all day. If Silver does not receive enough turnout, he is more likely to develop colic. Plus, being cooped up increases the likelihood of cribbing, which is another colic risk.

Remember that foraging and grazing aren’t only about eating for horses. These are highly natural habits that our equine companions require both physically and psychologically.

Proper Feeding Stations

Sand colic should be a major issue for anyone who lives in areas with sandy soil, but this problem can occur on a variety of substrates. Providing feed in a net or high feeder can assist in avoiding sand intake. You can also place mats below feeders. Soaking the hay in water before feeding might also help.

Minimize Stress: Equine companions are emotional and flighty, which can lead to high stress levels. Keeping your horse quiet and happy will help him stay healthy. Pay closer attention at times or events that may induce tension. Silver’s stomach might become upset because of major changes, friction with herd mates, travel, overworking, or pain.

Proper Veterinary Care

Never underestimate the value of good health and preventive care. This includes not just frequent visits to your Exeter, CA horse vet, but also appointments with your farrier. When it comes to horse care, one ounce of prevention might be worth several pounds of cure!

Schedule an Appointment With Our  Exeter, CA Equestrian Veterinarians

Are you looking for an excellent equestrian veterinarian in Exeter, CA? Please do not hesitate to contact us.