Colic In Equine

Keith Vander VeldeUW Extension Livestock SpecialistMontello, Wi

Colic

#1 Killer of HorsesNot a disease, it is a sign of abdominal painAny malfunction, displacement, twisting, swelling, infection or lesion of digestive system

Colic

Management plays important role in prevention Establish regular feeding and exercise

routine Feed high quality high forage diet Avoid feeding excessive grain or

energy rich diets Divide concentrate rations into two or

more feedings rather than one

Colic

Management to Prevent colic Set up regular parasite control program Provide exercise or turnout on a daily basis Provide fresh, clean water (except when

horse is hot from vigorous exercise Avoid medications unless they are

prescribed by vet, especially pain-relief drugs(analgesics), which cause ulcers

Check hay and bedding for blister beetles, noxious weeds, and ingestible foreign matter

Colic

Management to Prevent Colic Avoid feeing on ground, especially in sandy

area Do not let horse graze pastures short in

sandy soils Make dietary and management changes

gradually Reduce stress, horses experiencing changes

in environment or workloads are at a high risk of internal dysfunction

What to Do if Horse Colics

Put in comfortable StallRemove feed and waterAllow horse to lie down if it appears to be restingIf it wants to roll or is behaving violently, attempt to walk it slowly

Questions your Vet might Ask

Temperature, pulse and respiratory rateColor of mucous membranes and capillary refill time( press against gums, release and count second to return to original colorBehavioral signs, such as pawing, kicking, rolling, depressionDigestive noises or lack ofBowel movements including color, consistency and frequencyMedical history, deworming and past episodes,

Founder

Laminitis is a non-infectious inflammation of the laminae of the hoof, most frequently affecting of feetCaused by digestive disturbances Over feeding of grain Overeating on new pasture Drinking large quantities of clod water

when overheated

Founder

Signs: Engorged vascular system with nerve

endings press again rigid hoof wall Build up of lactic acid Horses resist moving Try to bear weight on hind feet Place front feet weight on heels not

entire foot

Founder

Treatment Antihistamines to reduces swelling Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation Administer Laxatives if detected early Elimination of grain from diet Removal of shoes Blood transfusions from healthy horses

Founder

Treatment Grooving of hoof wall with ¼ inch

grooves vertically, 1 1/2 inches apart to relieve pain, bandage hoof for 1-2 weeks following grooving

Rest and no exercise Aftercare, light steel bar shoe to

prevent hoof contraction with rolled toes

Colic Prevention

Keep horse on all forage dietIf grain is feed limit to less than 5 lbs, horses receiving 5-11 lbs of grain have a 5 times higher risk of colic, horse receiving more than 11 lbs of grain had a 6 times higher risk of developing colicAllow horse to be turned out for 12 hours or more per dayUse a regular worming schedule