Horse Colic: What Every Horse Owner Needs to Know

Horse colic is one of the most common and potentially serious medical emergencies affecting horses. While the term "colic" is often used as if it were a specific disease, colic is actually a symptom of abdominal pain that can result from a variety of conditions affecting the digestive tract and other abdominal organs.

Because some cases can quickly become life-threatening, every horse owner should know how to recognize the signs of colic and understand when immediate veterinary intervention is necessary.

At Jackpot Veterinary Center, we provide emergency equine veterinary services throughout Southern Arizona and are committed to helping horse owners recognize and respond to colic as quickly as possible.

What Is Horse Colic?

Dr. Autum and Vet Tech, Claire, performing nasogastric intubation on an emergency horse colic at Jackpot Veterinary Center in Tucson, AZ.

Colic refers to abdominal pain in horses. Most cases originate from problems within the stomach or intestines, but pain can also arise from other abdominal organs.

Colic can range from mild digestive discomfort to severe conditions that require emergency surgery. The challenge for horse owners is that mild cases and life-threatening cases may initially appear very similar, making prompt veterinary evaluation extremely important.

Why Does Colic Happen?

Horse colic can occur for many reasons, but most cases fall into three general categories:

1. Intestinal Dysfunction

This is the most common form of colic and includes:

• Gas accumulation

• Intestinal spasms

• Impactions (blockages)

• Reduced intestinal movement (motility)

Many cases of intestinal dysfunction respond well to medical treatment when addressed early.

2. Intestinal Accidents

These are more serious conditions and may include:

• Intestinal twists (volvulus)

• Entrapments

• Loss of blood supply to the intestines

These conditions often become life-threatening and frequently require surgical correction.

3. Inflammation or Ulceration

Inflammation of the digestive tract may be caused by:

• Stress

• Certain medications

• Infections

• Parasites

These cases often require veterinary treatment and careful monitoring.

• Signs of Mild Colic

  Early recognition can make a significant difference in your horse's outcome.

  Mild signs of colic may include:

  • Reduced appetite or leaving feed behind

  • Depression or lethargy

  • Decreased manure production

  • Reduced intestinal sounds

  • Holding the head in an unusual position

  • Curling the upper lip

  • Lying down more frequently than normal

  Even mild signs should be taken seriously and monitored closely.

• Signs of Moderate Colic

  As discomfort increases, horses may show more obvious signs such as:

  • Pawing at the ground

  • Looking at their flank

  • Kicking or biting at the abdomen

  • Stretching repeatedly as if attempting to urinate

  • Circling or repeatedly attempting to lie down

  These behaviors typically indicate worsening abdominal pain and warrant a call to your veterinarian.

• Signs of Severe Colic

  Severe colic is a veterinary emergency.

  Watch for:

  • Rolling repeatedly

  • Throwing themselves to the ground

  • Sitting in a dog-like position

  • Heavy sweating

  • Rapid breathing with flared nostrils

  • Elevated heart rate

  • Marked abdominal distension

  • Absence of intestinal sounds

  If your horse displays any of these symptoms, contact a veterinarian immediately.

What Should You Do If Your Horse Has Colic?

If you suspect your horse is colicking:

1. Call Your Veterinarian Immediately

Early intervention often improves outcomes and may prevent a condition from becoming more serious.

2. Remove Feed

Remove hay, grain, and treats until your veterinarian provides guidance.

3. Leave Water Available

Fresh water should remain accessible unless your veterinarian advises otherwise.

4. Observe Your Horse Closely

Monitor changes in behavior and symptoms. Keep your horse in a safe area where you can watch them carefully.

5. Walk the Horse if Necessary

If your horse is continually rolling or may injure itself, controlled walking may help keep them safe until veterinary assistance arrives.

Important Information to Have Ready for Your Veterinarian

When calling your veterinarian, be prepared to provide:

• Description of colic symptoms

• Severity of signs

• Frequency of manure production

• Recent dietary changes

• Recent changes in housing or exercise

• Current medications

• Previous history of colic

If safely possible, additional information may include:

• Heart rate

• Respiratory rate

• Rectal temperature

• Gum color and moisture

• Capillary refill time

• Presence or absence of gut sounds

What NOT to Do During a Colic Episode

Many well-intentioned actions can worsen the situation.

Do NOT:

• Administer medications without veterinary guidance

• Attempt to pass a stomach tube

• Force liquids or substances into the horse's mouth

• Insert anything into the rectum

• Give intravenous injections without veterinary instruction

Always consult your veterinarian before attempting any treatment.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Colic

A veterinary examination may include:

• Complete physical examination

• Review of medical history

• Assessment of heart rate and hydration

• Evaluation of gum color and circulation

• Listening to intestinal sounds

• Rectal palpation

• Nasogastric tube placement

• Bloodwork

• Ultrasound examination

• Abdominal fluid analysis in select cases

These diagnostic tools help determine the underlying cause and guide treatment recommendations.

Treatment Options for Horse Colic

Treatment depends on the specific cause and severity of the condition.

Common treatments may include:

• Pain medications

• Sedatives

• Intravenous fluids

• Fluid administration through a stomach tube

• Mineral oil or other laxatives

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Surgical intervention when necessary

The sooner treatment begins, the greater the likelihood of a successful outcome.

How to Prevent Colic in Horses

While not all cases are preventable, good management significantly reduces risk.

Provide Fresh, Clean Water

Dehydration is a common contributor to impaction colic.

• Can horse colic go away on its own?

  Some mild cases may resolve with medical treatment and monitoring, but it is impossible to determine the severity of colic without veterinary evaluation. Always contact your veterinarian.

• What is the most common cause of colic in horses?

  Intestinal dysfunction, including gas buildup, spasms, impactions, and reduced intestinal motility, is the most common cause.

• Should I walk a horse with colic?

  Walking may help keep a horse safe if it is attempting to roll violently. However, follow your veterinarian's recommendations and avoid exhausting the horse.

• Is horse colic an emergency?

  Yes. Every colic episode should be considered potentially serious until evaluated by a veterinarian

• Can colic be prevented?

  While not every case can be prevented, proper feeding, hydration, parasite control, dental care, and consistent management significantly reduce the risk.

Learn More: https://aaep.org/resource/client-education-presentation-colic/