How to Treat Colic in Horses

Colic is the scariest and most common health issue in horses. As an equine owner, understanding How to Treat Colic in Horses can quite literally be life or death. This guide treats the causes of equine colic, identifying symptoms of equine colic, and most effective treatment supported by veterinary science.

Understanding Colic in Horses

Colic refers to severe abdominal pain in horses and can be caused by a variety of digestive and non-digestive disorders. Colic ranges from a dull ache to life-threatening illness that requires surgery.

Causes of Colic in Horses

Knowing the causes of colic in horses helps prevent and provide prompt treatment:

1. Feeding Problems – Poor feeding changes, low-quality hay, or overfeeding grain.
2. Dehydration – Insufficient water intake, particularly in winter.
3. Parasites – Severe worm infestation interfering with gut function.
4. Stress – Travel, routine change, or crowding.
5. Dental Problems – Poor mastication results in inadequate digestion.
6. Lack of Exercise – Decreased gut motility raises risk of colic.

For more information, see our article on causes of colic in horses.

Recognizing Signs of Equine Colic

Early detection is key. Watch for these equine colic signs:

✔ Restlessness – Pawing, kicking at the belly, or repeated rising to lie down.
✔ Loss of Appetite – No interest in food or water.
✔ Abnormal Posture – Straining to urinate or sitting dog fashion.
✔ Excessive Sweating – Due to pain and distress.
✔ Less Manure Output – Dry, hard, or no droppings.
✔ Rolling Violently – Intestinal torsion risk (a veterinary emergency).

Discover more about symptoms of equine colic to respond quickly.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Treat Colic in Horses

1. Call the Veterinarian Immediately

Colic is a situation that can take a turn for the worse in hours often even minutes. Even if only subtle signs are apparent, delay in veterinary attention may lead to severe complications that prove fatal. The moment you notice signs of distress, phone your equine vet and relay details about the horse’s behavior, critical values, and recent dietary or routine modifications.

2. Make the Horse Walk and Remain Calm

A colicking horse may thrash, roll, or pace repeatedly uncontrollably, risking twisted gut (intestinal torsion). Gentle, controlled walking is useful:

• Prevent rough rolling that could twist intestines.
• Stimulate gut movement, which could relieve gas or mild impaction.
  But not too much if the horse exhausts itself, provide brief rest periods while supporting it upright.

3. Withhold Food (But Not Water)

Breaking down food necessitates intestinal movement, which can aggravate an obstruction.

• Take away all hay, grain, and treats until the vet can assess the situation.
• Offer small amounts of fresh water more frequently to prevent dehydration, but don’t push it if the horse won’t drink.

4. Offer Pain Relief (If Directed by Vet)

Pain relief is necessary, but never give medication without veterinary advice. Standard remedies are:

• Banamine (flunixin meglumine) – Reduces inflammation and pain.
• Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) – Terminates spasms in some cases.
  ⚠️ Warning: Equine medications of human pain medicines like ibuprofen or aspirin are toxic.

5. Record Vital Signs

Monitoring helps assess severity and guide treatment:

• Heart rate: Normal is 28–44 BPM. >60 BPM suggests severe pain.
• Gut sounds: Auscultate behind the ribs with a stethoscope. Absent or excessive sounds indicate problems.
• Capillary refill time: Press on the gums; normal color should return in <2 seconds.

6. Veterinary Therapies

Depending on the diagnosis, your vet might suggest:

• Nasogastric intubation: A tube passed up the nose into the stomach can:
• Dislodge caught gas.
• Administer electrolytes or laxatives (such as mineral oil) for impactions.
• IV fluids: For shock or dehydration, fluids restore circulation and dislodge intestinal obstructions.
• Surgery: Required for:
• Strangulating lipomas (fat tumors that strangulate blood flow).
• Intestinal torsions (twisted gut).
• Severe impactions that do not respond to treatment.
• Postoperative care usually consists of hospitalization, pain relief, and cautious reintroduction to feed.

Preventing Colic in Horses

Prevention is the best choice. Follow these tips:

✅ Offer Clean, Fresh Water at All Times – Use heated buckets in winter.
✅ Offer High-Quality Forage – Avoid moldy hay and sudden diet changes.
✅ Regular Deworming & Dental Exams – Prevents parasites and chewing issues.
✅ Stick to a Regular Schedule – Decreases stress-induced colic.
✅ Promote Exercise – Encourages normal digestion.

Conclusion

Colic is a serious condition, but with prompt action, most horses can recover fully. By understanding the causes of colic in horses, recognizing symptoms of equine colic, and knowing how to treat colic in horses, you can safeguard your equine friend’s health.

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