Colic is one of the most common equine emergencies, and one of the most feared. The term describes abdominal pain that can range from mild, passing discomfort to a life-threatening emergency. Knowing how to recognise the symptoms and take the right steps can make all the difference. This guide will help you react, but it never replaces your vet's advice: at the slightest doubt, call them.
What is colic?
"Colic" is not a specific disease, but a set of signs reflecting pain in the abdomen. The causes are varied: a digestive blockage, gas, a sudden change of diet, dehydration, parasites and more. Some cases of colic resolve with simple treatment, others require emergency surgery. An owner cannot tell the difference just by looking, which is exactly why you must call the vet.
The signs that should alert you
A horse with a sore stomach often shows it through its behaviour. Watch in particular for a horse that:
- stops eating or loses interest in its food;
- looks at or nips at its flanks, and paws the ground with its front legs;
- lies down and gets up repeatedly, or keeps trying to roll;
- sweats abnormally, and seems dull or restless;
- stops passing droppings, or passes far fewer than usual.
These signs can be subtle at first, then intensify. Knowing your horse's normal behaviour helps you spot very early on when something is wrong.
The right steps while you wait for the vet
When you suspect colic:
- Call the vet without delay, and describe the signs precisely.
- Remove all food (hay and hard feed) until you have their advice.
- Leave access to water, unless the vet tells you otherwise.
- If the horse is trying to roll violently and it is safe for you to do so, walk it in hand calmly to settle it.
- Do not give any medication on your own initiative: it can mask the symptoms and distort the diagnosis.
With colic, time matters. It is better to call the vet for nothing than too late. They, and they alone, decide what should be done.
Preventing colic day to day
You cannot remove every risk, but good habits reduce it significantly: put forage first, avoid sudden changes of diet, ensure permanent access to clean water, follow a suitable worming programme, and keep up regular exercise. Attentive day-to-day monitoring remains the best prevention.
Recording and sharing episodes
After a bout of colic, it is useful to keep a record of the episode: date, signs, response, and the vet's advice. This information helps you spot any recurrences and discuss them with the vet. A shared care log keeps the whole team informed and watchful.
