Common Types of Colic

 Colic is a word that terrifies horse owners. Colic is caused by many factors, including things we usually can’t control, such as a sudden weather change. Luckily, colic doesn’t always have to result in expensive surgery or euthanasia. There are multiple types of colic, and most can be treated if caught early. The four main types of colic that occur in our area are gas, impaction, sand, and twisted gut.

Gas colic is the most common, has the most straightforward treatment, and is usually not fatal. Gas colic can be caused by sudden changes in feed, ulcers, dehydration, stress, and insufficient forage intake. Horses may appear extremely painful, but this usually resolves with pain medication, fluids, and walking. This type of colic can be prevented by feed and environmental management. 

Impaction colic can be caused by feeding lower quality or stemmy feed materials, ingesting foreign materials such as seeds, and improperly chewed food.  This is common in horses who are older or need their teeth floated. Impaction colic can sometimes be treated by a veterinarian administering fluids, mineral oil, and anti-inflammatories. Impaction colic can be fatal if not treated quickly.  Owners can prevent an impaction by feeding appropriate forage for their horse, dental maintenance, and ensuring their horse drinks adequate water. 

Sand colic is common in horses that live in sandy areas, like the Sandhills and Coastal Plains of North Carolina, and who eat their hay off the ground. The sand irritates the intestinal lining causing pain and disruption of digestion. If not treated promptly, the loose sand in the intestines can harden and form stones, which are painful and may cause an impaction. This can be prevented by feeding out of a hay net or raised bale feeder, and giving supplements like Sandclear and Sandpurge.

The final common type of colic is the twisted gut, which occurs when some part of the intestine twists around itself and is almost always fatal.  The twist can sometimes be corrected by surgery if caught early, but often the tissue in the intestines begins dying before surgery can be performed. Preventing the other mild types of colic can help prevent a twisted gut. 

It is important to know the signs of colic so treatment can be started as soon as possible. Talk to your veterinarian to develop a plan so you can be prepared if your horse does colic. 

Signs of colic:

• Kicking at their stomach

• Flank watching

• Pawing the ground/acting anxious

• Bloating

• Excessive sweating

• Rolling

• Not eating or drinking

• Stretching 

• Not passing manure

• Tacky gums

• Heart rate over 50 beats per minute

• Lack of gut sounds using a stethoscope

If you suspect that your horse is experiencing colic:

• Begin walking your horse

• Call your veterinarian to inform them your horse is colicing

• Administer an oral anti-inflammatory medication as advised by your veterinarian

• Remove feed

• Keep horses in an open area to prevent getting caught on something if they roll.

• Ask your veterinarian to come to your farm if

• There is no improvement from walking and anti-inflammatories 

• You do not know how long the colic has been occurring or has occurred for several hours.

• Vital signs are abnormal.

• Gums appear dark red or purple

• If any of the above signs occur for longer than 30 mins.