Colic

Colic is a broad term we commonly use in reference to abdominal pain in horse. In horses there is an extensive list of potential causes of abdominal pain.

Clinical signs that your horse may display:

· Laying down

· Watching their flank

· Pawing

· Rolling

· Stretching out to urinate without doing so

· Sweating

· Bloating

· Dullness and depression

· Distress

· Lack of appetite

· Decreased manure output

· Grinding of teeth

Although colic is frequently associate with the gastrointestinal tract, there are other organs that can also produce similar symptoms such as: Ovary pain in mares, bladder stone or urinary tract infections, pleural-pneumonia or travel sickness.

Potential causes of gastrointestinal colic.

· Abrupt changes in feed

· Poor quality hay or grain

· Excessive grain

· Dental problems

· Parasite infestation

· Ingestion of foreign material – especially sand or gravel

· Excessive antibiotic or NSAID’s use

· Stressed / anxiety behaviours

· Tumours within or around the bowel

The gastrointestinal system is made up of multiple section; the stomach, the small intestine, the ceacum, the large intestine, the small colon and the rectum. Because of this there are a number of different types of colic that can affect different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be difficult at times to know exactly which part is affected or with what. As a veterinarian we will carry out a number of diagnostic tests that help us to put together the pieces of the “colic puzzle”.

Potential diagnostics that may be carried out include:

· Thorough physical examination

· Blood profiles

· Ultrasound of the abdomen

· Passage of a nasogastric tube to relieve gastric gas and contents

· Rectal palpation

· Collection and assessment of the abdominal fluid

When should you call your veterinarian?

Mild clinical symptoms such as a decreased appetite and occasionally looking at the abdomen can often be monitored. However if they persist or progress this is an indication to contact a veterinarian. Severe colic signs such as inability to remain standing and violently rolling are indications for immediate veterinary attention.