Among the various challenges that can arise, colic stands out as one of the most concerning and potentially life-threatening conditions. Colic in horses refers to abdominal pain, and it can be caused by various factors such as digestive issues, gas accumulation, impactions, torsions, or other gastrointestinal problems. Recognizing the signs of colic early is crucial, as it can help you seek veterinary assistance promptly. 

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COLIC SIGNS

Pawing & Flank Watching : Horses may repeatedly paw at the ground with their front hooves and might frequently turn their head towards their abdomen and look at their flanks.

Restlessness & Sweating : Horses that are in pain tend to often exhibit restlessness, pacing, and or shifting their weight. Along with excessive sweating, particularly in the neck and flank areas, can be a sign of discomfort.

Rolling & Lying Down : Rolling excessively or violently is a significant indicator of colic. However, not all rolling indicates colic, as horses roll to relieve various discomforts. But if a horse lies down and gets up repeatedly, it could be due to abdominal discomfort.

Lack of Appetite : Horses experiencing colic might show a decreased interest in food or water.

Vocalizations & Kicking : Horses tend to groan, grunt, or make other unusual vocalizations when experiencing colic and or discomfort. Some horses may even kick at their abdomen, particularly with their hind legs.

Elevated Rates : An increased heart rate can be a sign of pain and discomfort; rapid or labored breathing can accompany colic.

HOW TO CHECK YOUR HORSE'S HEARTRATE : Locate the pulse point on the horse's body. The easiest and most common location is on the inside of the lower jaw, just under the jawbone. You can also find the pulse on the inside of the front leg, under the knee (carpus), or behind the elbow. Place your fingers gently on the pulse point. Count the number of beats you feel over a 15-second interval. To get the heart rate per minute, multiply the count by 4. For a more accurate reading, especially if you're new to checking heart rates, you can use a stethoscope. Place the stethoscope's chest piece just behind the left elbow of the horse, where you can hear the heartbeat most clearly. Count the beats over a 15-second interval and multiply by 4 to get the heart rate per minute.

It's important to note that the severity of these signs can vary, and not all horses will exhibit every sign. If you suspect your horse might have colic, it's best to contact your veterinarian immediately. Colic can range from mild to life-threatening, and a veterinarian's assessment is crucial to determine the appropriate course of action. In some cases, colic can be managed with simple interventions, while in other cases, surgery might be required. Always prioritize your horse's well-being and involve a professional as soon as possible.

COLIC PREVENTION

While it's not always possible to completely prevent colic in horses, there are several management practices you can implement to help minimize the risk. Keep in mind that each horse is unique, so it's essential to tailor your approach to your horse's specific needs and conditions. Here are some tips to help prevent colic in your horse:

Diet and Feeding Management

• Provide a consistent and balanced diet. Sudden changes in diet can disrupt the digestive system and increase the risk of colic. (This goes for both grain, supplements and hay)
• Feed high-quality forage, such as hay or pasture, to promote healthy digestion.
• Avoid feeding moldy or spoiled feed, as it can lead to gastrointestinal upset

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Hydration & Feeding Routine 

• Ensure access to clean and fresh water at all times. Dehydration can contribute to colic, you’ll want to monitor water consumption, especially during hot weather and after exercise.
• Establish a regular feeding schedule. Horses thrive on routine, and abrupt changes can cause digestive disturbances. 
• Divide feedings into smaller, more frequent meals rather than a few large meals.

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Exercise & Turnout 

• Regular exercise and turnout help maintain a healthy digestive system and prevent behavioral stress.
• Avoid sudden changes in exercise intensity or duration, as this can impact digestion.

Stress Management & Enrichment 

• Minimize stressors in the horse's environment, such as sudden changes in routine, new companions, or transportation.
• Provide a calm and predictable environment, as stress can contribute to digestive issues.
• Offer opportunities for natural behaviors, such as grazing and social interaction, to promote mental and physical well-being.

Product Feature : Equi-Essentials Slow Feed Hay Ball #470971 - Thirty two flat faces that enable the feeder to roll around stimulating a natural grazing position while giving the benefits of slow feeding. A great boredom breaker option for horses that are stalled, on a restricted diet or in a dry lot turnout. Includes a strap for hanging use as well. Simply screw open the cap and fill with dry hay, soaked hay or haylage.

Grain & Pasture Mangement 

• If feeding grains or concentrates, do so in moderation and choose appropriate feeds for your horse's needs. Monitor your horse's body condition and adjust feed amounts accordingly.
• Introduce horses to new pastures gradually to prevent sudden dietary changes. Remove any toxic plants from pastures and ensure that pastures are well-maintained.

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Avoid Sand Ingestion 

• Prevent horses from ingesting sand, which can accumulate in the digestive tract and lead to colic. Feeding on rubber mats or using feeders can help prevent sand consumption.

Product Feature : Farnam Sandclear Natural Psyllium Crumbles 3lb #102003 - Recommended by veterinarians, psyllium absorbs water in the intestines to form a gel-like substance which increases bulk, softens stools and helps remove sand from the ventral colon. Highly palatable apple and molasses flavored crumbles for horses of all ages, including young foals.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

SayWoah! by Horse Sense Solutions #12282 “promotes normal digestive “Flow" to assist with Bowel Movements. SayWhoa! is a Revolutionary Product. Horses may become dehydrated and impacted by simple acts of severe weather changes, an abrupt change of feed or long horseback rides.” For horses who are in distress, “it’s what you do first”! May be given to horses any age, size or weight. Mares lactating or in foal. Packaged in two pre-filled syringes, two syringes per horse, give both syringes to a horse or foal over 100 lbs.

Shelf life of 5 years. Best stored at Room Temperature 70 degrees. Although, high temperatures do not affect integrity of products. If accidentally freezes just thaw out and use will not affect the products. Can be kept in a feed room or trailer.

Remember that some factors contributing to colic may be beyond your control, such as weather changes or certain medical conditions. Regular communication with your veterinarian and staying informed about best practices will help you make informed decisions for your horse's health and well-being.