What Causes Horse Colic?
Colic can be caused by a number of things all varying in severity. Some of the common causes include: • Sand ingestion (Sand Colic) – Horses fed on sandy surfaces may ingest large amounts of sand over time. This sand builds up in the system and will eventually result in intestinal discomfort and colic. • Over-feeding • Parasite infestations • Changes in feeding routines, or an irregular feeding routine • Sudden changes in diet • Moldy or rotten feed • Ingestion of inedible materials such as sticks, stones, plastic, or wood. • Fine grain (this sometimes packs together and causes intestinal blockage. • Twisted intestines, which is a very serious condition that includes strangulation, incarceration and intussusception of the intestine. This often requires surgery to fix.
