By: Matthew M. Brendal
COLIC
Colic may be the result of intestinal impaction, twisted intestines, gas build up or massive internal parasite infestation. It's important to remember that the stomach is lower than the other intestines and the anal orifice. This means that colic is literally an up hill battle. This is probably the reason a horse wants to lay down and roll, to get the stomach higher and use gravity. Below is a list of possible reasons a horse may colic:
Consumption of toxic plants/material
Rapid change in diet
Diet low in fiber
Bad teeth or poor dental care program
Ineffective worming program
Excessive consumption of sand
Dehydration of horse
Colic Prevention/Reduction
Good feeding management will help reduce chances of colic. Below are the foundations that should followed for best results:
Plenty of fresh, clean drinking water
No sudden changes in diet
Consistent feed times and intervals
Good quality nutritious forage - no mold, no weeds
Effective worming program
Good dental care and maintenance program
50% of total dietary intake should be high in long fiber
Add salt to feed encourage water consumption during winter
Mild Signs of Colic
Eats feeds slower than normal or doesn't finish it
Will prefer hay or grass over grain or concentrate
Slower to respond than normal, sluggish or irritable
Horse seems rigid under saddle
Tail slightly lifted from normal resting position
Small & frequent bowel movements ands gas passing
Moderate Colic
Pawing the ground
Rolling or trying lie on their back
Stretching while standing
Lying down and not wanting to get up
Biting at or bumping flanks with nose
Kicking at belly with back feet
Higher than normal respiratory rate
Heart rate per minute in high 40's or 50's
Mucous membrane pink to red and slightly tacky
Capillary refill time slightly longer than normal (2 seconds)
Skin turgor test shows slight dehydration
Few or no gastrointestinal motility sounds
Severe Signs of Colic
Any of the above mentioned signs
Obvious signs of distress or acting agitated/pacing
Sweating profusely (especially around flanks)
Rolling or trying lie on their back
Sitting like a dog
Skin turgor test shows moderate dehydration
Higher than normal body temperature
Faster than normal respiration, but will probably be swallow
Heart rate per minute 60 plus
Mucous membrane red to purple and tacky
Few or no gastrointestinal sounds
Capillary refill time slightly longer than normal (3+ seconds)
Veterinary Assistance
If you suspect your horse in having an episode of colic, the most prudent act is to immediately contact your veterinarian. Remember that at certain times, it could be a few hours before a veterinarian may be able to get to you horse. You should be able to do some first aid and have a back up veterinarian.
Prior to Arrival of Veterinarian
Here are a few things you can do while waiting for the veterinarian to arrive or transporting the horse to the veterinary clinic:
Constantly monitor for fecal elimination this is a very positive sign. Your veterinarian may want a fecal sample.
Discontinue any form of feeding.
Lead the horse around at a walk.
Do not allow the horse to roll on the ground.
If the horse wants lay down that is okay, just don't allow him to thrash about.
Monitor gastrointestinal noise.
Monitor heart, temperature, respiration and mucous membrane.
Do not give any drugs unless told to do so by veterinarian.
Just taking the horse to the veterinarian in a trailer may cause impaction colic to relieve itself from the movement.
TRANSPORTING TO THE VETERINARY CLINIC
Know how to get there, if you haven't been there before, get good directions before you leave. Bring the clinics phone number with you in case you get lost.
Know the best way to get to the clinic for the time of day. Are you traveling during rush hour, road construction?
Bring any medical data that may be pertinent. Past history, feeding schedule, feed amount, worming records, current medications and vaccinations.
Is your horse a good trailer loading horse? This is good reason to get them to be.
Is your trailer always ready to go? Is the vehicle you use to tow the trailer always available? If not available, do you have a friend that does?
