Colic in horses: Symptoms, causes and immediate help - with checklist

Reading time: 8 minutes

In this article, you will find out exactly what colic is, what symptoms indicate it and what types of colic there are. We also shed light on the causes and treatment options. To help you in an emergency, we offer a practical emergency checklist to download and an interactive symptom test. Find out more to ensure your horse's well-being and take action in good time.

Contents

What is colic?

➡️ Video tip: What is colic?

In this video you will learn what colic is in horses and how you as a horse owner should react to the first signs.

Colic in horses is not a specific clinical picture, but a collective term for various diseases or conditions that cause severe abdominal pain in horses. This pain is usually caused by disorders in the digestive tract and can affect various areas, such as the stomach, small intestine, large intestine or peritoneum.

Colic is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention from a veterinarian. They can be triggered by a variety of factors, including feeding errors, stress or anatomical problems. Digestive disorders or disturbances in the movement of the intestines, such as blockages, gas accumulation, intestinal convolutions or intestinal twists, can also trigger colic.

Since colic varies in severity, the spectrum ranges from mild, self-limiting symptoms to severe, life-threatening conditions that may require surgical treatment.

Colic is one of the most common health problems in horses and is one of the most common causes of death in this group of animals if left untreated. The term "colic" therefore does not describe a specific disease, but rather the symptom of severe abdominal pain, which can be caused by various factors.

What types of colic are there?

Colic type	Description	Symptoms	Treatment
Constipation colic	Occurs when the horse's intestines become thickened and constipated due to reduced water flow in the feces.	Restlessness, reduced defecation, bloated abdomen.	Fluid intake, feed adjustment, veterinary intervention.
Blockages in the small intestine	Due to incorrect feeding (e.g. grass clippings) or parasites such as roundworms.	Pain, flatulence, restlessness, rolling.	Anticonvulsant medication, hydration, possibly surgery.
Blockages in the large intestine	Caused by reduced water absorption, leads to solid intestinal contents.	Reduced defecation, mild course, flatulence.	Fluid intake, feed adjustment, veterinary measures.
Seizure colic	Cramp-like colic due to stress, feeding errors or dental problems.	Restlessness, frequent lying down and getting up, abdominal pain.	Antispasmodic and analgesic medication, vet.
Gas colic	Accumulation of gases in the digestive tract due to food or fermentation.	Flatulence, increased rolling, bloated stomach.	Relief by gastric tube, antispasmodic and analgesic medication.
Sand Colic	By ingesting sand or foreign bodies on barren pastures or sandy soils.	Restlessness, rolling, disturbed feeding behavior, scratching.	Nasogastric lavage, surgery in severe cases.
Intestinal rotation / entanglement	Twisting of a section of the intestine, blocking food and fluid.	Severe pain, increased rolling, bluish mucous membranes.	Immediate surgery to restore blood flow.
Intestinal obstruction	Blockage of the bowel due to physical or functional obstacles.	Severe abdominal pain, bloated stomach, increased rolling.	Operation to remove the blockage, intensive aftercare.
Bowel obstruction	Intestine slips into unnatural openings(hernias) and becomes trapped.	Severe abdominal pain, breathing problems, restlessness.	Operation to free the trapped bowel.
Stomach overload	Excessive feed intake leads to gastric distension or congestion from the small intestine.	Severe abdominal pain, increased salivation, bloated abdomen.	Relief of the stomach by gastric tube, possibly surgery.

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Colic symptoms in horses

Colic in horses can manifest itself through various signs. As a horse owner, it is crucial to recognize the symptoms early so that you can intervene and contact the vet in good time. Below you will find the most common symptoms that can indicate colic:

Restlessness - The horse appears nervous and moves more frequently than normal.
Frequent lying down and getting up - The horse often lies down and then gets up again quickly.
Rolling - The horse rolls on the ground, often in an attempt to relieve the pain.
Flank biting - The horse bites or looks repeatedly to the flank.
Disturbed eating behavior - The horse refuses to eat or eats very little.
Excessive sweating - Heavy sweating without external exertion.
Increased scratching - The horse is constantly scratching the ground with its hooves.
Changed manure production - Less or no manure production, or the manure is unusually hard.
Bloating - The horse's belly is distended or looks unusual.
Increased heart and breathing rate - Faster heartbeat and breathing rate than usual.
Apathy or lethargy - The horse appears exhausted and shows little reaction to its surroundings.
Increased urination without success - Frequent urination, but only small amounts or no urine at all.

If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your horse, you should contact the vet immediately, as colic can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

Reference box

Important note: This online test is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace a professional assessment by a veterinarian. The test does not guarantee the accuracy of the results. Always consult a vet if you are unsure or suspect colic. We accept no liability for actions based on the results of this test.

Causes of colic

The causes of colic have been studied by scientists for several decades, as they are very diverse. In addition to age, husbandry conditions and breed, there are other factors that can trigger colic in horses:

Stress
Infections
Dental problems
Lack of exercise
Feeding errors
Sand deposits in the intestine
Weather change
Anschoppungskolik

Feeding errors

Feeding errors are one of the most common causes of colic in horses. If horses do not have regular access to feed or are fed the wrong feed, digestive problems can quickly arise. For example, feeding too much grain or highly fermenting feed such as maize and fresh grass often leads to gas colic. A lack of hydration also plays a major role: horses need sufficient water to aid digestion. Horses that eat on sandy soils can also suffer from constipation colic due to sand deposits in the intestines.

Stress and lack of exercise

Stress and lack of exercise are also decisive risk factors for colic. Horses are running animals that need a lot of exercise to promote intestinal activity. Too little exercise, as is often the case with horses kept in boxes or during long journeys, can lead to digestive disorders. Stressful situations, such as noisy environments, unusual housing conditions or feed changes, also affect the digestive system and increase the likelihood of colic.

Weather and housing conditions

Sudden changes in the weather, especially in cold temperatures in winter, affect digestion in horses. The risk of constipation colic often increases in winter, as horses are more susceptible due to a lack of fluid intake and eating dry hay. Unfamiliar or inadequate husbandry, for example when changing pasture, can also increase the stress level and therefore the risk of colic. It is particularly important to acclimatize horses to new conditions slowly when making such changes.

Treatment of colic

Diagnosis by the vet

The diagnosis of colic by the vet requires a thorough examination to determine the type of colic and its cause. First, the horse's vital signs are checked, including heart rate, respiratory rate and mucous membrane color. They will also listen to the horse's abdomen to check for bowel sounds that could indicate constipation or another form of colic.

In many cases, the vet will also carry out a rectal examination to feel for possible blockages or gas accumulations in the intestines. Other diagnostic methods such as ultrasound or X-rays may be used to examine the condition of the gastrointestinal tract in more detail.

In this video you will see how a vet goes about diagnosing colic. It explains the steps and examinations that are carried out to determine the type of colic and the measures that follow.

Click here for the video: My horse colics - what now? When abdominal pain becomes dangerous

Treatment options

The treatment of colic depends on its cause and severity. Mild cases can be treated with antispasmodic and pain-relieving medication. The vet may also insert a nasogastric tube (nasogastric tube) to drain excess gas or fluids. In more severe cases, such as intestinal obstructions or blockages, surgical intervention may be necessary. Prompt diagnosis and treatment significantly increases the horse's chances of survival.

Feeding, exercise and riding after colic

➡️ Video tip: Feeding stomach-sensitive horses correctly

In this video you will learn how to feed a horse with a sensitive stomach correctly to avoid colic and promote your horse's well-being.

Feeding colic horses correctly

Slow reintroduction of feeding

After colic has been overcome, feeding must be resumed carefully. For the first 12-24 hours, the horse should only be given small amounts of high-quality hay and concentrates should be avoided completely. As soon as the horse is stabilized, the feed can be gradually increased, always in consultation with the vet.

Easily digestible feed and mash

Easily digestible feeds such as mash or linseed oil are recommended in the first few days after colic, as they are easy on the digestive tract and provide important nutrients at the same time. Sufficient fluid intake is also important to support digestion and prevent constipation.

Ensure access to water

Make sure that your horse has enough fresh water available at all times. Especially after colic, it is important that the horse drinks a lot to aid digestion. In winter, it can be helpful to warm the water slightly to encourage the horse to drink.

Regular observation and small portions

Feed in small portions and observe the horse closely. Especially in the first few days after colic, it is important to closely monitor the horse's defecation, food intake and behavior to avoid relapses.

Encourage movement

Light exercise, such as daily walks, helps to get the bowels moving again. However, intensive training should be avoided until the horse is completely stable and the vet gives the go-ahead.

Veterinary follow-up

It is advisable to have a regular veterinary check-up to ensure that the digestive system has fully recovered. The vet can also make recommendations on long-term feeding and care to prevent further colic.

Exercise and riding after colic

After colic, the horse's exercise should also be slowly increased again. It is important not to put too much strain on the horse immediately, but to gradually get it used to training and work again.

Aftercare colic - points with checkmark

Rest and recovery time: In the first few days after colic, the horse needs sufficient rest. Intensive exercise and training should be avoided so as not to overstrain the digestive tract. A rest period of at least 1-2 days is important to allow the horse to fully stabilize.
Careful reintegration into training: After the rest phase, the horse can be slowly accustomed to light exercise again. Walks and light lunging are a good way of promoting digestion and getting the horse used to physical activity again. Training should be increased gradually, always in consultation with the vet.
Observation during training: When returning to training, the horse's behavior should be observed closely. If the horse shows tiredness, restlessness or renewed colic symptoms such as changes in eating behavior or increased sweating, training should be stopped immediately. In these cases, it is advisable to consult the vet again.
Slowly increase the load: Training should be gradually intensified over the next few days. Start with short units and increase the duration and intensity carefully. Small steps and short units help to avoid overstraining the horse and relapses. Overloading can jeopardize recovery, so training should always be adapted and kept moderate.
Consult your vet: Before returning to riding and more intensive training sessions, it is advisable to consult your vet. The vet can check the horse's state of health and make appropriate recommendations for returning to training. Close monitoring is essential, especially for horses that have suffered severe colic.

Colic prevention

Carry out feed changes correctly

One of the most effective measures to prevent colic is a slow change of feed. Horses should not be switched to a new feed source abruptly. Especially when switching to fresh grass in spring or when introducing new hay, a gradual adjustment should be made over several days or weeks. This gives the horse's digestive system time to get used to the new feed.‍

Sufficient exercise and stress-free posture

Regular exercise is important to keep the horse's intestinal tract active and avoid digestive problems. Daily exercise, whether in the pasture or in the paddock, helps to reduce the risk of colic. Stress should be avoided by keeping horses calm and stable. Horses should not be exposed to unnecessary noise or frequent changes of enclosure.

Regular dental check-ups

Dental disease can lead to problems with chewing, which impairs digestion and increases the risk of colic. Regular dental checks by the vet ensure that the horse can grind its food sufficiently and that no food debris enters the intestines, which could cause constipation. Older horses in particular are prone to dental problems, which is why regular checks are essential.

Colic checklist to download

Colic can take a dramatic, life-threatening course within the first few hours, so quick action is required!

This downloadable checklist can help you stay calm in an emergency and act in a structured way:

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Colic in horses: Summarized

Colic is one of the most common and potentially dangerous health problems in horses. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary treatment. Colic is not a disease in its own right, but a symptom that can be triggered by a variety of causes - from feeding errors and stress to anatomical problems in the digestive tract.

It is crucial to recognize the symptoms early and act accordingly, as the severity of colic can vary greatly. While mild colic can often be treated with simple measures, more severe cases may require surgical intervention. After recovery, it is important to gently reintroduce the horse to food, exercise and training.

Prevention also plays a key role: regular dental check-ups, appropriate feeding and stress-free husbandry and exercise make a significant contribution to minimizing the risk of colic. With good care and a watchful eye, colic can often be avoided or treated in time to prevent serious consequences.

Colic in horses: The most important questions and answers

How much does a colic operation on a horse cost?

The cost of colic surgery can vary greatly depending on the severity of the colic and the clinic. As a rule, the costs are between 3,000 and 8,000 euros, but can also be higher in special cases. It is advisable to consider equine health insurance that covers emergencies such as colic.

How long does the horse stay in hospital after colic surgery?

The length of a horse's stay in hospital after colic surgery depends on various factors, such as the severity of the colic, the horse's condition before and after the operation and the course of its recovery. As a rule, the horse stays in the clinic for a few days to several weeks. During this time, it is looked after around the clock in order to ensure appropriate post-operative care and to recognize possible complications at an early stage. The exact length of stay is determined on an individual basis and depends on how well the horse responds to the treatment.

When does a horse have to be euthanized if it has colic?

A horse is only euthanized if the colic is particularly severe and can no longer be treated, for example if there is irreparable damage to the intestine, such as a twisted or twisted intestine that leads to tissue necrosis. This decision is made in close consultation with the vet.

How does a horse behave when it has colic?

A horse with colic often shows restlessness, lies down frequently, rolls around, bites or kicks its belly, does not eat and may sweat more. It may also lie down and stand up again unusually often or put its legs up to relieve the pain.

How long does colic last in a horse?

The duration of colic can vary greatly. In mild cases, it may only last a few hours and pass spontaneously. However, severe colic requiring veterinary treatment can last from several hours to days, depending on the cause and the speed of response to treatment.

When is a horse's colic over?

Colic is usually over when the horse is eating normally again, is no longer in pain and the digestive tract is functioning properly again. This is usually indicated by the elimination of faeces, the cessation of restlessness and a stabilized heart and respiratory rate.

Which oil can help with colic in horses?

Kerosene oil (liquid kerosene) is often used for constipation colic to lubricate the intestines and loosen blockages. However, it should always be administered by a vet.

How does a horse die of colic?

A horse can die from colic if the blood supply to the intestine is cut off by twisting or engorgement, resulting in necrosis (death of the intestinal tissue). This causes severe accumulation of toxins in the body, which can lead to circulatory failure and eventually death.

Does a horse have a fever with colic?

Fever is not the main symptom of colic, but can occur with certain causes such as infections or inflammatory processes in the digestive tract. An increased pulse and increased respiratory rate are more common signs.

Author

Nele Schimmelpfennig Clinics More FROM CMH.TV