Colic in Horses: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Colic is one of the most common health challenges horse owners face. This condition, characterized by abdominal pain, can range from mild to life-threatening. Recognizing the signs of colic, understanding its causes, and knowing how to respond quickly are essential skills for every horse owner. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of colic, preventative measures, and how natural solutions like Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD can play a role in maintaining your horse’s health.
Table of Contents
What Is Colic in Horses?
Colic is a common gastrointestinal condition in horses, often described as abdominal pain. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, requiring immediate veterinary attention. For horse owners, understanding the signs and causes of colic and having a plan in place with a veterinarian is crucial to managing this potentially life-threatening condition effectively.
Causes of Colic
Colic can stem from various causes, often linked to disruptions in the delicate balance of the gut microbiome. Horses naturally thrive on a diet of grass, leaves, and bark, but domesticated feeding practices can introduce imbalances. High-carb processed grains, sweet feeds, or sudden dietary changes can lead to hindgut acidosis and other digestive disturbances.
Here are common causes of colic in horses:
- Dietary Issues: High grain, low forage diets, or tainted and moldy feed.
- Stress: Transport, competition, or environmental changes.
- Dental Problems: Improperly chewed feed leading to impaction.
- Parasites: Infestations from inadequate deworming practices.
- Dehydration: Lack of water contributing to impaction colic.
- Foreign Material: Sand ingestion or feed placed on the ground.
Deworming is critical to include in a horse’s health routine as parasites, including strongyles, are a common cause. Antibiotics may also cause colic due to disruption of the microflora in the gut. Dental problems cause colic by not allowing the horse to properly chew their feed. Senior horses who are fed hay on a regular basis are at increased risk for impaction colic.
Recognizing the Signs of Colic in Horses
Early detection of colic can make a significant difference in outcomes. Signs to watch for include:
- Rolling or excessive lying down
- Pawing and sweating
- Bloating or a distended abdomen
- Loss of appetite and unusual posture
- Lack of water consumption
- Stress or anxiety
- Decreased manure production
According to Dr. Diane Wagner, DVM, additional symptoms may include dilated pupils, increased respiratory rates, and fever. “The horse will often paw, lie down and look at his or her abdomen, roll, may become aggressive during feed time, and you may notice dilated pupils when under stress or in pain.” Dr. Wagner continued to note, “additional signs include a bloated abdomen, increased respiratory rate, dehydration or impaction, parasites, and/or fever.”
Types of Colic
There are several types of colic in horses. The type is dependent upon the cause.
Stomach Distention in Horses
When large amounts of grain are ingested in a single meal, the stomach may become distended, resulting in potential rupture.
Displacement Colic in Horses
The small intestine is free-floating in the horse’s gut resulting in increased mobility. The mobility may result in the small intestine becoming twisted, leading to restricted blood flow. This type of colic requires immediate surgery to reposition the intestine properly. Displacement colic is often caused by excessive gas buildup in the gut.
Impaction Colic in Horses
During impaction, the large intestine begins to fold upon itself, resulting in changes in diameter and curvature. Masses of feed and/or foreign material may begin to build up and block the intestine. Impaction risk can be reduced by providing sufficient amounts of water.
Gas colic in horses
Every type of colic involves some type of gas buildup in the intestines and/or the stomach. As the gas builds, a horse’s gut distends, resulting in abdominal pain. Excessive gas may be produced by bacteria in the gut after a horse consumes moldy feed.
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Steps to Take When Colic Occurs
In order to provide proper treatment, the underlying cause of colic must be determined. Many types of colic can be effectively managed with medication, whereas others may require extensive surgery. While waiting for your veterinarian, you should take the following steps:
- Take note of any changes to feces.
- Remove access to food.
- Allow the horse to rest.
- Do not administer any type of medication prior to the veterinarian’s arrival.
When your veterinarian arrives, she or he will likely listen to the horse’s gut sounds, monitor his or her vitals, perform a rectal exam, and/or insert a nasogastric tube to release gastric reflux. Dr. Diane Wagner also stated the severity of the colic can be determined by heart rate and rectal palpation to diagnose impaction or twist in addition to the nasogastric tube.
CBD For Horses With Colic
Supporting Gut Health with CBD for Horses
A healthy gut microbiome is essential for preventing and managing colic. Full Spectrum Hemp Extract (FSHE) supports gut health by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates balance (homeostasis) in the body. FSHE promotes a healthier gut environment by reducing inflammation and stabilizing the microbiome.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety with CBD for Horses
Stress is a known trigger for colic. FSHE naturally reduces anxiety in horses, helping them stay calm during stressful situations like transport or changes in routine.
Relieving Abdominal Pain with CBD for Horses
The pain-relieving properties of FSHE are well-documented, as it works by modulating the central nervous system’s pain signals. This natural approach to pain relief can complement veterinary care in cases of colic.
Preventing Colic in Horses
To reduce the risk of colic in horses, the following steps may be taken:
- Feed your horse on a regular schedule. Establish a routine.
- Do not make any sudden changes to a horse’s diet.
- Maintain a fresh, clean water supply for adequate hydration.
- Check teeth on a regular basis.
- Provide sufficient exercise.
- Ask your veterinarian about parasite control measures.
- Do not place feed on the ground, as your horse could potentially consume foreign material resulting in obstruction.
- Add full-spectrum hemp extract CBD to your horse’s regimen
Final Thoughts on Colic in Horses
Understanding your horse’s behavior, diet, and routine is key to preventing colic. Collaborate with your veterinarian to create an emergency plan, monitor for early signs of distress, and take proactive steps to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Adding Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD to your horse’s care regimen can be a valuable tool in promoting overall health and reducing the risk of colic.