Colic
Could you recognise it? Would you know what to do?
By Linda Kennard of NAF
What is colic?
The definition of colic is: a severe pain in the stomach and bowels. Colic is not a disease but a combination of signs that alert us to abdominal pain in the horse. Because of the design of the horse's digestive tract, it is held in place by a thin membrane called the Mesentary, any malfunction through swelling, infection, twisting etc causes abdominal pain and what is recognised as colic.
Some causes of colic
Colic can be caused by a number of different things. Listed are some of the most common causes:
• Over eating - escaping into the feed room and breaking into the feed bins.
• Sudden changes in diet - all new feeds should be introduced gradually
• Poor quality feed - mouldy or very old hay, cubes or mix.
• Parasites - worm infestation can disrupt circulation to the intestines. Migrating worms can cause blockages.
• Stable vices - crib-biting or wood chewing increases the risk of bits of wood being swallowed. Windsucking can be the cause of recurrent colic.
• Feeding times - a heavy meal before exercise.
• Twisted intestines - are severe and can be life threatening.
Signs of colic
The signs of colic vary depending on the severity. At first the horse may be uneasy and uninterested in food or water. As time goes on the horse may start swishing its tail and start turning to look at its sides sometimes even nipping at its sides. The horse may even start to groan.
As the pain increases the horse may kick at its belly and lie down and stretch. This may then be followed by it starting to get up and down and walk aimlessly around. The horse may even try to roll. However it is important not to let the horse roll as this could twist the intestine and cause serious injury.
Symptoms can include (in no particular order):
• Pawing the ground
• Sweating
• Kicking at belly
• Stretching as if to urinate
• Change of attitude
• Lying down and getting up frequently
• Few or no sounds from the gut
• Rapid respiratory rate
• Elevated heart rate
• Sitting like a dog
• Lack of appetite
• Stamping hind feet
Types of colic
Spasmodic colic - this is due to spasm of the muscular wall of the intestine and is the most common type of colic. Horses are usually moderately distressed and can pass a few droppings. They will show signs of sweating and restlessness. They may look at their sides and kick at their abdomen.
Impactive colic - this is normally caused by impaction of food material in the large intestine, occurring most frequently in the large colon due to the pelvic flexure being a narrow point in the intestinal tract. Horses with impactive colic can be in less pain than horses with spasmodic colic.
They can be restless and look at their sides.
Gaseous distension - this type of colic can be particularly painful. There are several causes for this type of colic. One cause is feed material fermenting within the intestines or rapid and excessive intake of grass or concentrates. Effected horses show signs of severe abdominal pain with sweating and violent rolling.
Parasites - Internal parasites especially strongyles cause severe damage to the intestinal arteries. They reduce or block blood flow to the intestines. Migration of the larvae in the walls of the arteries can cause roughness and scaring. Clots then form on the roughened areas and reduce the size of the blood vessels.
Bots can cause blockages in the stomach.
Ascarids (roundworms) cause blockages in the small intestine in young horses.
Twisted intestine - this includes twisting of the intestine, Intussuception where one piece of intestine becomes telescoped into the following piece or rotation of the intestine about the mesentery which then obstructs the blood supply. In all of these cases the clinical sign are very dramatic. The horse will show severe pain and sweating and could become violent.
Management
Not all types of colic can be prevented. However sound management and a good diet can help to keep colic to a minimum.
• Regular worming programme - this also includes removing horse manure from paddocks.
• A readily available supply of clean fresh drinking water.
• Make any changes to the horse's diet gradually.
• Feed small meals regularly. A large meal once a day can overload the horse's digestive tract.
• Feed good quality forage and concentrates. These should be free from mould, weed and foreign objects.
• Check teeth regularly.
• Keep to a regular exercise programme. Make all changes to exercise gradually.
• Minimise stress
• Ensure that the horse is not eating its bedding.
• Know what is normal and abnormal for your horse.
Colic will always remain a source of stress for the horse and will never totally be eliminated. However with good management and prompt action the severity and incidences can be reduced.
Abdominal pain in the horse can occur in many different degrees, but in all cases it should be recognised by the owner as a cause for concern and veterinary advice should be taken immediately.
