Colic Prevention Tips

Spring has finally arrived! With the arrival of spring, we also see an increase in green grass and exercise, and drastic temperature changes from day to day, which in turn may increase the possibility of colic in your horses.  Now is a good time to remind ourselves how we can strive to avoid colic as well as refresh or establish a relationship with an area veterinarian in case of emergency.

From the American Association of Equine Practitioners:

"The No. 1 killer of horses is colic. Colic is not a disease, but rather a combination of signs that alert us to abdominal pain in the horse. Colic can range from mild to severe, but it should never be ignored. Many of the conditions that cause colic can become life threatening in a relatively short period of time. Only by quickly and accurately recognizing colic – and seeking qualified veterinary help – can the chance for recovery be maximized. 

While horses seem predisposed to colic due to the anatomy and function of their digestive tracts, management can play a key role in prevention. Although not every case is avoidable, the following guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) can maximize the horse’s health and reduce the risk of colic: 

Virtually any horse is susceptible to colic. Age, sex and breed differences in susceptibility seem to be relatively minor. The type of colic seen appears to relate to geographic or regional differences, probably due to environmental factors such as sandy soil or climatic stress. Importantly, this indicates that, with conscientious care and management, we have the potential to reduce and control colic, the No. 1 killer of horses. For more information about colic prevention and treatment, ask your equine veterinarian. Additional colic information is available by visiting the AAEP’s website at www.aaep.org/ "