As the weather changes, your horse’s management tends to change with it. Whether it is a change in routine, the feeding schedule or a reduction in turnout, management changes can cause colic episodes in your horse.
Read on to learn about colic symptoms and our top tips on how to implement management changes into your horse’s routine as smoothly as possible.
What is colic?
Colic is a potentially fatal condition that can affect any equine at any time. Colic refers to any condition causing pain in your horse’s abdomen. Quite often these are blockages – known as impaction colic, intestinal spasms – known as spasmodic colic, gas – known as gas colic or a twist or displacement in the gut.
Generally, the reason behind a colic is unknown for most cases. However, in some of the more extreme cases we treat, colic surgery is the only way to save the horse. The longer that surgery waits the poorer your horse’s prognosis so be vigilant.
The earlier colic is detected, the better your equine’s chance of overcoming the condition and making a healthy recovery, no matter what type of colic they seem to be suffering from. Time is of the essence so contact Strand Vets Equine as soon as you notice any of the symptoms below.
Signs of colic
- Changes in appetite – whether this is eating less or nothing at all
- Changes in faecal output – have droppings changed in appearance or reduced
- Feeling restless – rolling, attempting to lie down, box walking or unexplainedsweating
- Abdominal pain – pawing the ground, kicking their tummy or flank watching
- Lethargy – lower head position, dull and depressed demeanour
- Clinical changes – gums changing colour, rapid breathing, reduced gut sounds,
How to reduce the chance of colic
- Keep your horse hydrated. Impactions in your horse’s gut are more likely to happen with hard feed so take measures to ensure your horse gets plenty of fluid in their system. Also, keep an eye on freezing water sources as prolonged periods without access to water can cause dehydration.
- Provide as much turn out as possible – the activity of walking is beneficial to gut health and horses confined to stables with decreased movement. If paddock turnout is limited then daily exercise or arena turnout will help.
- Feed plenty of forage – hay will replace grass in your horse’s diet and it is best to feed this slowly. This dry diet will be more likely to cause intestinal blockages so this is why hydration is incredibly important.
Be vigilant with monitoring your horse for signs of colic. If you are worried at all, early intervention is best. Contact Strand Vets Equine on 01624 835424 as soon as possible and our vets can help.
