By Ivy Mastad, Regional Services, Summer Student, Humboldt
July 2024
Colic, or pain in the abdomen, is a common condition observed in horses that may be difficult to recognize, as symptoms of the condition are often subtle. Producers should familiarize themselves with its symptoms and early intervention tactics to be better prepared to manage this potentially life-threatening condition.
While several factors can contribute to the risk of colic, the most common causes are often linked to changes in the diet or provision of mouldy or too-fibrous feed, ingestion of sand, poor teeth, limited exercise, intestinal parasites and weather fluctuations affecting a horse's normal movement and eating habits. These factors may cause compaction of the large colon due to the inability of the horse's gut to process new food or digest feed properly. Moldy feeds may also cause the production of excess gas in the stomach, resulting in a twisted gut which can be fatal if not treated by a veterinarian in time.
There are many symptoms to watch for when you suspect a horse may have colic, and these may not all be observed at the same time. Some important signs to watch for include:
- General distress – kicking or biting of the belly or flank, laying down or rolling, restlessness, curling of the upper lip and arching of the neck.
- Lethargy – reduced feed and water intake and depression.
- Digestive upset – hard and dry feces, straining to defecate, distension of the abdomen, stretching to urinate though no urination occurs and decreased number of bowel movements.
Symptoms of colic may subside on their own, but it’s important to continue monitoring the horse for signs of distress and talk to your veterinarian if symptoms do not clear.
While there is no one specific cause of colic, there are several management practices that producers can employ to decrease the chance of it affecting their horses. Such practices include making gradual changes in the diet, providing quality forage, adequate exercise, an appropriate deworming program, easy access to good quality water and managing obesity. Adhering to these recommended practices will help to decrease the chance of colic occurring.
If you suspect that a horse may have colic, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Colic can be a subtle and dangerous condition if not corrected or treated in time. It’s important to implement management practices that will help prevent colic occurring to ensure the optimal health of your horses.
For more information on the prevention and management of colic and other livestock-related inquiries, contact your regional livestock and feed extension specialist or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.