COLIC
This is a general term for abdominal pain and can have many causes, as you can imagine.
Too much food.
Gas build up.
Unsuitable feed.
A blockage
Eating too quickly
Working too soon after feed or water.
Crib biting or wind sucking.
A twisted gut
Parasites
A build up of sand in the stomach.
The list is endless.
There are two types –
Spasmodic where the symptoms come and go. The symptoms can be mild and get more severe over time or just disappear completely. If the symptoms just disappear, keep a record for future reference and note any changes that may have triggered it.
Acute where the symptoms stay continually, although they could improve or get worse they do not fully recover. The vet must be called to find and alleviate the issue.
SYMPTOMS
Mild
Watching their flank.
Restlessness
Pawing the ground
Kicking their belly
Generally not being quite their normal self.
Moderate
Often trying to urinate.
Lying down for long periods
Often lying down then getting up.
Off feed.
Sweating for no obvious reason.
Breathing laboured or puffing
A heave line appears or a tucked up look (the horse appears to be holding their belly in).
Severe
THEREFORE THE VET MUST BE CALLED EMMEDIATELY
Violent rolling.
Dripping in sweat.
Rapid breathing.
Injuries from rolling.
TREATMENT
Keep Calm
Call the Vet
Walk the horse slowly around, if the pain subsides stop to rest. Try to stop the horse from rolling as this could cause a twisted gut (although it is believed the original colic is from the twisted gut) and keep away from places where, if he rolls, he could get stuck.
Keep the horse warm
Do not give food or water until the vet has been.
Gather the information needed to help the vet:
- when symptoms occured.
- possible reasons for symptoms, if known (for example change of diet, circumstances or eaten something poisonous).
- treatment from first symptoms.
- if this has happened before and the treatment used.
- a list of what your horse has eaten in the last 24 hours.
- any allergies the horse may have.
Final Thoughts
I hope you never have to deal with this but if you do it can be very scary.
Staying calm and prompt action can make a big difference to the outcome.
Hindsight is fantastic, you can only do your best at the time.