Colic is defined as abdominal pain and unfortunately, can be a very common disorder that horse owners experience. Colic can be caused by various of things and it can turn life threatening very quickly. The main causes are generally gas, impaction, grain overload, sand ingestion, or a parasite infection. However, any form of stress can send a horse into a colic. Things like extreme weather changes, hay changes, location changes, hauling, or any change to a normal routine can cause colic. Any horse can experience it, no matter age, breed, or gender. Horses can experience mild cases and make a full recovery, but there are situations when it turns severe. Severe cases can lead to a colic surgery or even death. 

With the crazy temperature changes here in Colorado, we thought it would be a great opportunity to go over what you should and shouldn't do with colic's and how to be prepared, just in case. A colic can come on very quickly and sometimes, you don't even know it is happening. It is important to have your vet on speed dial and make sure you are stocked with the necessary medication, per your vet's recommendations. 

The most common signs/symptoms of a colicing horse include: 

- Looking at their side frequently 

- Biting or kicking at their stomach or flank area 

- Lying down frequently and rolling 

- Little or no manure passing 

- Poor eating

- Not drinking 

- Pawing 

- Bloating 

- Sweating 

- Distress 

- Uneasiness or acting lethargic 

- No gut sounds 

In the event that your horse is colicing, it is important to stay calm, but act swiftly. These are great steps to follow to make sure your horse is taken care of:

1. Check vitals: If you suspect your horse is colicing, it is always helpful to take their temperature, check heart rate if you are able to, and listen for any gut sounds by pressing your ear up to their belly. Having this information will help your vet diagnosis how serious the problem is and keep you ahead of the game. 

2. Look for manure in the pen: You need to check and see if there is any fresh or newer manure piles in your horse's stall or area. Little to none is not a good sign and your vet will need to know this. 

3. Call your vet: Even if you are unsure if it is a colic or if the horse only appears to have mild symptoms, still call. Waiting too long can put your horse's life in danger and you risk loosing them. The vet can help guide you and determine if the horse needs to be seen or not. They can also direct you in what medication to administer and it is important to follow exactly what they say. Don't give anything that they don't recommend.

4. Monitor your horse: You will need to watch your horse closely, for however long is needed. Many people take this lightly and will go hours without checking a colicing horse. You need to either stay with the horse or be checking them at least every 15 to 20 minutes. 

5. Walk: Walking your horse has been proven to help a colicing horse. It basically keeps them from laying down and rolling, which is very dangerous. When you walk them, you don't want to exhaust them, but just make sure they aren't going down. 

5. Wait on water: It is important that you wait on giving the horse water until your vet gives the okay. 

7. Make sure if your horse is colicing, that they are in a safe/contained area. 

8. Prepare for trailering if necessary. A colic can turn worse in the blink of an eye. So it is important that your truck, trailer, and people helping are on stand by in case you need to load and get to the vet.  

If your horse is colicing, don't do the following:

1. Use a wait and see method: Even if it is a false alarm or a very minor case, it is better to be safe than sorry. It can turn worse so fast and your horse can die from colic. You can never be to cautious or prepared. At the first sign, you should call your vet. 

2. Exercise aggressively: Like we mentioned before, walking is a good thing, but don't use aggressive exercise. The horse is in a fragile and uncomfortable state anyway, you don't want to add more stress or exhaust them further. Don't try lunging them or increasing past a walk. 

3. Don't allow food: Even if your sick horse is wanting to eat, withhold it until a vet says otherwise. With the horse being in pain, they sometimes try to eat or gorge themselves in response to the pain and it only makes matters worse. This can cause a blockage in their intestines. 

4. Don't randomly medicate: The most common treatment for colic is a medication called Banamine. It is usually in paste form and is given orally. Most every horse person has this on hand and knows how to use it, but vets do recommend talking to them first before medicating. Pain medicine can sometimes mask symptoms so it is just important to see what is actually going on before giving medication. 

It is important to follow all vet instructions during a colic and after as well. It is a very scary thing to any horse owner, but getting the horse treated is the number on priority. It is never to soon to call your vet!

If you notice severe temperature changes in your area, make sure you are prepared. Have banamine on hand, make sure your horse has fresh water, and keep them to their normal routine. If you notice the slightest sign, don't be afraid to ask for help! 

(picture credit: https://www.horsejournals.com/horse-care/illness-injury/diseases/colic-surgery-positive-outcomes )