Colic Symptoms in Horses

Colic symptoms can be a serious problem for your horse, as it may indicate underlying trouble. In fact, equine colic -- which affects roughly 1 out of 10 -- is the #1 killer of horses.

Colic can be any malfunction, displacement, twisting, swelling, infection, or lesion within the horse's body and organ systems. If you notice your horse rolling on the ground, pawing incessantly, nipping its sides or trying to kick itself, then you'll want to visit a vet right away for colic help. 

What is the underlying cause for the colic symptoms, you may wonder? Well, there is no single answer. Diet is typically a contributing factor. Since horses like to nibble at grass and eat off the dusty ground, they frequently come into contact with many insoluble items that can cause big problems later.

For instance, with Sand Colic, your horse likely just ingested an exorbitant amount of sand with its feed. Some horses may ingest up to 80 pounds before colic symptoms occur!

Other times, horses gorge themselves on food and overfeed themselves. If you have an irregular feeding schedule, then horses may do this - or if they break loose into the supply. If you've just changed feed type, then the horse may exhibit signs of colic.

Remember that feed changes should be gradual! Fine grain may cause colic in some horses because it packs together and blocks the intestines. This can even lead to "Pelvic Flexure Impaction," which means the intestine turns 180 degrees and narrows. Round mineral deposits called "enterioliths" may form when a piece of sand or gravel doesn't digest properly.

Some horses eat stones, sticks, twine, and wood splinters, causing all sorts of digestive damage. Moldy feed can also cause equine colic. "Spasmodic colic" is caused by too much fresh grass and peristaltic contractions - or gas build up - in the horse's digestive tract. These symptoms can be treated by spasmolytic or analgesic medication, but in some cases surgery may be needed to relieve the obstruction. 

In some cases, the horse may have gotten a build up of foreign impediments or injured itself somehow. Torsion and intussusception occurs when the horse's intestinal tract or colon twists in an uncomfortable way. With Epiploic Foramen Entrapment or "strangulation", a piece of the intestine traps blood flow to the digestive tract.

A third cause of colic in horses is "enteritis" or ulcerations caused by infections, inflammations or intestinal disease. Parasites -- like roundworm, tapeworm and cyathostome worms - can cause an obstruction or inflammation in your horse's intestines. In extreme cases, these worms can create tremendous blockages or organ rupturing.

Once you have figured out the particular case of colic your horse suffers from, your vet will give you some medication or recommendations on how to ease colic symptoms.

Generally, treatments range from Laxatives or deworming medication to emergency surgery for more serious ailments. To ease abdomen pain, doctors may prescribe Dipyrone (which has both analgesic and antispasmodic properties) or Banamine.

Torbugesic is a non-narcotic analgesic that is highly effective for equine colic as well, but it may be too expensive for the average horse owner.