First Aid Steps for Horses with Colic
Spring has begun, and with it comes another busy period for vets. For horses, unfamiliar fresh grass can cause numerous cases of colic. If a horse’s gastrointestinal tract is not adequately prepared for the new feed situation and there is no plan for introducing to grass in place, digestive problems with severe abdominal pain can occur. Horse owners dread seeing their four-legged friends rolling on the ground in pain and having to call the vet again if antispasmodic medication isn’t working.
Colic in horses can arise in a variety of ways – from feeding errors and improper keeping to severe weather changes. Horse owners and vets should look at the horse holistically, eliminate the cause and, above all, act quickly. Depending on the severity, if left untreated a horse could end up on the operating table for emergency surgery. To avoid the worst-case scenario, a vet should always be consulted to decide on possible medication.
Quick recognition enables quick action: Signs of colic in horses
There are horses with a high pain tolerance that can grit their teeth and bear it, and then there are horses that are more sensitive. This means that not every horse reacts in the same way or with the same intensity to abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal disorders. The following behaviours are typical symptoms of colic:
The horse…
- seems listless
- isn’t eating or drinking
- is pawing and stamping
- is kicking their belly, turning towards their belly
- is bloated
- isn’t defecating
- rolls frequently, intensely and restlessly
- is exhibiting the flehmen response
- has little to no bowel sounds
- has a fever and sweating
- has a higher respiratory rate with flared nostrils, despite being at rest
You know your horse the best, and can tell when their behaviour is out of the ordinary. Always keep an eye on vital signs (pulse, respiration, temperature):
- 28-40 heartbeats per minute
- 8-16 breaths per minute
- 37.0-38.0°C body temperature
For more information on these vital signs, see our guide on First Aid for Horses.
Playing detective: Finding the source of the colic
As with its symptoms, there’s a wide range of causes for colic. This often makes it tricky to pinpoint the trigger straight away. You really have to play detective.
The causes of colic vary depending on the type. In most cases, the large intestine is affected, but the small intestine and caecum can also be involved. Occasionally, the stomach can also be the source of the pain.
Gas colic
If the horse has eaten feed that causes severe flatulence or has been contaminated with mould, bacteria and fungi, excessive gas accumulates in the digestive tract. As horses cannot burp, and their intestinal tract is very long, they cannot expel the gas in time and end up bloated. This results in a distended abdomen with loud, painful intestinal noises. Highly flatulent feed includes soft bread or finely chopped grass clippings that have not been thoroughly dried.
Spasmodic colic
Spasmodic colic is a type of colic where the horse suffers from intermittent, severe and painful spasms. This can also be caused by digestive disorders and intense intestinal activity. The administration of antispasmodic drugs usually provides rapid relief. However, stress in any form, severe intestinal worm infestations, the cycle in mares with abscesses or tumours on the ovaries, or poorly chewed feed can also be causes of spasmodic colic in horses.
Sand colic
Sand colic mainly affects horses that are severely restricted in their feed and hungry, who ingest sand and other dirt particles in sandy paddocks and dusty, overgrazed fields. These particles are not bound and transported away with the rest of the feed, but instead accumulate in the stomach and intestines. This reduces the capacity of the intestines, slows down peristalsis and alters the intestinal environment. In the worst cases, the intestines become obstructed or twisted. The best prevention is to ensure horses have access to sufficient, uncontaminated feed.
Horses on a diet should not be restricted too severely; instead, their exercise regime should be increased. Psyllium husks are very popular with horse owners for intestinal rehabilitation, as they bind with dirt in the intestinal tract and transport it away.
Impaction colic
As the name suggests, impaction colic causes a build-up of feed in the intestines. If nothing is done, the affected sections of the intestine can die – in which case surgery is unavoidable. Impaction occurs in horses when they consume too little water and too much straw. Too little exercise can also be a trigger, since horses are running animals, and exercise stimulates their intestinal peristalsis. Moreover, tumours can also be a cause.
Impaction colic can be accompanied by relatively mild symptoms, but can last for several days. If you notice a change in your horse’s behaviour, you should call a vet.
Strangulation colic
Colic caused by a twisted intestine requires urgent treatment, it can lead to life-threatening intestinal obstructions if left untreated. In cases of intestinal torsion or displacement, the horse’s intestines are irregularly filled, overfilled, blocked or gassy. The affected intestinal folds can then twist and cause intestinal constriction. Intestinal torsion is triggered by irregular feeding times, overly long intervals between feedings and not enough forage. Young stallions can also be affected by intestinal torsion if the intestine slips into the scrotum.
Intestinal obstruction
The most serious form of colic is life-threatening intestinal obstruction. If left untreated, constipation or twisted intestines can lead to this condition. The fatigued intestinal muscles are unable to move the feed pulp along, the horse stops defecating and, in the worst case, the intestines twist. Obstruction of the intestines occurs. Immediate (surgical) intervention by a vet is absolutely vital in these cases!
Stomach overload
If a horse is standing with its neck stretched out, trying to vomit up its feed, it may be suffering from stomach overload. The problem: The horse cannot vomit due to the constriction of the muscle at the entrance to the stomach, and all attempts to retch are unsuccessful. The cause here is once again an excess of fermenting or highly expandable feed, which overstretches the stomach. However, an intestinal obstruction can also push the feed back into the stomach, causing painful overload. It is important to act quickly in this case, as otherwise the stomach could rupture and the feed could spread throughout the abdominal cavity, leading to organ infections and ultimately the death of the horse.
Circulatory colic caused by heat and weather changes
Some circulatory problems can be accompanied by colic-like symptoms. Older horses and horses with heart problems are particularly susceptible to severe weather changes and heat in summer and spring (when they still have their winter coat). Temperature fluctuations weaken their circulation and, in addition to general fatigue, colic-like symptoms can also occur.
How long does colic last in horses?
How long colic lasts in horses depends on the type of colic and the severity of the symptoms. For example, sand colic can linger for several days, while spasmodic colic can be quickly remedied with antispasmodic medication. It is clear that the sooner action is taken, the better. Once the colic has completely subsided and the horse appears to be fit again, riding can be resumed two days after recovery. However, start slowly, increase the workload gradually and listen to the horse’s sensitivities so as not to put excessive stress on its health again.
First Aid: What to do if your horse has colic
Many cases of colic are mild. Nevertheless, always inform your vet if you suspect colic. In the meantime, you can take these first aidsteps:
- Withhold feed and water from the horse.
- Walk the horse at a slow pace to stimulate intestinal activity. In cases of mild colic, walking slightly uphill and downhill can also have a relieving effect.
- Allow the horse to roll or lie down, but encourage it to stand up again so that its circulation does not slow down. Horses try to relieve cramps themselves in this way.
- In winter or cold weather: Rug the horse with a wicking rug. Warmth can help to relax the cramped abdominal muscles.
- In consultation with a vet: Administer herbal antispasmodic remedies. These can provide relief for mild digestive problems.
- Check whether your horse trailer is transport-ready.
- Massage is not appropriate during acute colic because it spreads the inflammation further. However, gently stroking the abdomen is fine, if it helps the horse to relax.
The horse should not be given any feed or water for several hours, so any poor-quality feed that may have caused the problem can be expelled and the intestines can rest. Once everything has settled down, you can give the horse some digestive mash. Soaked/expanded psyllium husks and linseed can also be helpful.
