Awareness And Knowledge Keys
To Managing Colic In Horses

By Donald Stotts
Oklahoma State University

STILLWATER, Okla. — Colic can be as much a pain for a horse owner's wallet as for a horse. However, a few straightforward management steps can help both owner and animal recover in the shortest possible time.

"Horse owners need to understand ways to reduce the incidence of colic, how to manage colic and how to effectively communicate with veterinarians when colic is a problem in their horse operation," says Dave Freeman, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension equine specialist. Freeman says the first step is to recognize the behavioral symptoms of colic in a horse.

Typical behavioral symptoms in a horse suffering from colic include: changes in eating habits, perhaps even refusing to eat altogether; circling, lying down, rolling over (sometimes violently), lying down and rising frequently, suddenly dropping to the ground or pawing at the ground frequently; reduced manure output; turning the head and looking back at the flank or abdomen area, kicking at the abdomen or stretching out and standing for long periods; and general anxiousness, trembling and (possible) sweating.

"Horse owners then must assess the apparent severity and communicate such to their veterinarians," Freeman says.

"The ability to judge the severity requires experience and veterinarian advice. Immediate consultation with a veterinarian is recommended if in doubt at any point, or conditions suggest the colic episode is moderate to severe."

Similarly, consultation with the veterinarian is recommended if even mild colic symptoms do not resolve within a short time. Several procedures exist to aid in determining the severity of colic. These procedures should be used as soon as colic is suspected.

"Observed responses will assist in the decision of contacting a veterinarian," Freeman says. "Additionally, information regarding the status of the horse can be given to the attending veterinarian."

Recommendations to perform before the veterinarian arrives include:

Collecting the horse's vital signs of heart rate and respiration. A horse at rest that exhibits a heart rate greater than 50 beats per minute may be in moderate to severe pain.

Listening for a lack of gut sounds over the flank area, which may suggest problems.

Evaluating mucous membranes. Gums normally are pink and moist. Purple, dry gums indicate circulation problems that suggest severe colic. Assess capillary refill time by pressing on the gums and monitoring the time for color to return. Normally, color returns within a couple of seconds, at most. Longer times may suggest increased severity of colic.

"Removal of grain and hay is recommended," Freeman says. "Also, short periods of light hand walking often help to relieve low-grade pain."

Behavioral signs and bodily symptoms should be monitored frequently to evaluate the rate of improvement.

"Not all the behavioral and bodily clues occur with every bout of colic, and the degree they are displayed can be expected to vary," Freeman notes. "Absence of one or more of the behavioral or bodily clues does not necessarily mean a horse is out of danger."

Freeman points out that early detection and immediate treatment can reduce the severity of a colic episode, and often can have a significant effect on a horse's recovery.