Equine ColicBy: Brandy Smith

Facts About Equine ColicEquine means horseOne of the most dangerous medical problemOne out of every ten horses have colic each yearNumber one killer of horses

What Is Colic?Not a diseaseGeneral term indicating abdominal painIn the digestive systemEvery case should be taken seriously

Organs Involved in ColicThe horses small, one compartment stomachSmall intestineCecumColonSmall colonRectum

CausesHorses with a history of colic are 6 times more likely to have colic againPrevious abdominal surgery are 5 times as likely

Environmental or feeding change

Stress of horse

SymptomsMild painPawing the groundSweatingLooking at the bellyRestlessnessLack of appetiteStamping the hind feet Lying down

More SymptomsSevere painViolently pawing groundAppear bloatedMuscle strainingKick violentlySweat a lotLie down and get up frequently

Symptoms Cont.Sit on haunches like a dogRoll or lie on their backsHave below normal temperature-because of stock setting inIncrease respiration rateElevated heart rateFew or no gut sounds

PreventionHave a daily routine including feeding and exercise schedules and stick to it