One particularly important condition to look out for that can be quite common in horses is Colic. However, with a combination of swift action, preparedness and knowledge, further trouble can be prevented.
Colic in horses is defined as abdominal pain, but it is a clinical sign rather than a diagnosis. The term 'colic' can in fact encompass all forms of gastrointestinal conditions which cause pain as well as other causes of abdominal pain not involving the gastrointestinal tract. However, it is a wise idea to alert your local vet if you are concerned about any kind of pain or discomfort in your horse.
As mentioned above, the most common forms of colic are gastrointestinal in nature and are most often related to colonic disturbance. There are a variety of different forms of colic, some of which can prove fatal without surgical intervention.
The incidence of colic in the general horse population has been estimated between 10 and 11 percent on an annual basis. It is important that any person who owns or works with horses be able to recognize the signs of colic and determine whether or not a veterinarian should be called.
Clinical signs include:
- Pawing and/or scraping
- Stretching
- Frequent attempts to urinate
- Flank watching: turning of the head to watch the stomach and/or hind quarters
- Biting/nipping the stomach
- Pacing
- Repeated flehmen response
- Repeated lying down and rising
- Rolling
- Groaning
- Bruxism
- Excess salivation
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased fecal output
- Increased pulse rate
- Dark mucous membranes
For more information, or if you are concerned about unusual behaviour in your horse or ill health always be sure to contact your local vet.
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