What is colic, and what should I do if my horse is showing signs of colic?
Colic is a generic term used to describe any type of abdominal pain. It is considered to be one of the leading causes of death in horses around the world. Horses experiencing colic may roll and thrash violently, or they may subtlety look or nip at their abdomen or flank. Others simply refuse to eat or appear uncomfortable. Colic can be caused by a variety of conditions, including bowel spasm or gas colic, intestinal impactions or obstructions, intestinal torsion or twisting, enteritis or diarrhea, gastric ulceration, or peritonitis (inflammation or infection in the abdomen). Many horses respond to conservative treatments, including pain medications, intestinal lubricants or laxatives, and light exercise in the form of lead walking. Others require exploratory abdominal surgery to alleviate the source of pain and intestinal trauma. It is important to call your veterinarian when your horse begins showing signs of colic. A prompt physical exam is an important step in ensuring that the cond
