Colic.

Colic is a general term used to describe acute abdominal pain. Being aware of the symptoms of colic can help catch colic in an early or mild state. Temperature of the horse may be normal for mild or early onset of colic but will increase as the colic intensifies. If the intestines are twisted or the bowels displaced, early signs may be mild but can quickly get serious, even resulting in death. Colic should be considered an emergency, if you suspect colic, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Symptoms of Colic

1. Pacing abnormally
2. Restlessness
3. Off feed
4. Sweating
5. No manure
6. Pawing
7. Kicking at abdomen, side, or out
8. Looking back at his belly
9. Increased respiration
10. Thrashing
11. Rolling

Two Types of Colic

1. Strangulating colic: Involves twisting of the intestine and requires surgery to survive.
2. Nonstrangulating: Can be fixed without surgery. For obstructive type colic, the veterinarian may administer a lubricating laxative along with fluid therapy. As a preventative, you can give the horse ?Psyllium? once a week every month. Follow directions as specified on the container.
3. Impaction: Occurs when the feed is too dry and can?t pass through the digestive tract and causes pain.
4. Gas colic: Intestines swell up and causes pain.
5. Enteroliths: Concretion or stones found within the intestine, causing blockage.
6. Sand: Occurs when the horse eats feed from sandy ground and impacts the intestinal tract.
7. Spasmodic: Muscle spasms