What to do in case of colic?

Colic is a collective term for abdominal pain in horses. Colic is caused by problems in the gastrointestinal tract and can be very serious, even deadly. Colic should therefore always be taken seriously and addressed immediately.

Read in this article what steps you can take if your horse gets colic.

What are the signs of colic?

Each horse reacts differently to colic. Some horses just become quieter and eat less, while others kick their belly hard and constantly roll. Therefore, know your horse's behavior well, so that you can quickly recognize abnormal behavior. But colic has some characteristic signs. If you notice the following signs (or some of them), take immediate action:

• Rolling frequently

• Flehmen

• Kicking the belly

• Scraping with the hooves

• Sweating

• Not eating

• Increased pulse rate

What to do in case of a colic attack?

Often as an owner you can feel whether your horse is having a mild colic attack or if it is really serious. But actually, in all cases: call your vet immediately. Do not wait half an hour, because if it is serious, that half an hour can mean the difference between life and death. There are supplements available that provide quick relief for colic, as they work as antispasmodic and gas-expelling. These supplements are herbal-based and it is recommended to always have them at home for administration in case of mild colic. Below are the steps to follow if your horse has colic:

1. Call your vet! Even if it's just to discuss.

2. Place your horse in a safe place. A place where it won't get stuck if it rolls and there are no protruding parts that it can injure itself on.

3. Possibly administer a supplement that is antispasmodic. Do not administer painkillers that you may still have, as this may hinder the vet in making a diagnosis!

4. In case of mild colic, gentle walking with your horse is advisable. Movement stimulates the intestines, which can help relieve a possible obstruction or gas. If your horse doesn't want to walk, do not force it!

5. Arrange transport in advance. Hopefully it won't be necessary, but the vet may recommend taking your horse to the clinic for further examination or treatment. Therefore, make sure the trailer is on standby so you don't lose any time.

6. Do not feed your horse. The vet will indicate whether your horse can eat or not, so it's wise not to offer any food until then.

7. Do not panic and tell the vet more about your horse's background.

8. Follow the advice of your vet.

Another important point is: take care of yourself! Horses with colic can react differently and make unexpected movements due to pain. This can make these horses a danger to themselves and others. So do not walk around if the horse becomes dangerous.

Colic cannot always be prevented and unfortunately is sometimes fatal. But in the majority of cases, it ends well.