Understanding Common Types of Colic in Horses and their Symptoms

Colic in Horses Series – Part 1

Imagine your horse suddenly displaying unusual behaviour – restlessness, pawing at the ground, and repeatedly lying down and getting up. This could be a sign of colic, a serious condition that can affect any horse and requires immediate attention. Colic encompasses a range of digestive problems, from mild discomfort to life-threatening emergencies.

Understanding the different types of colic and recognising the warning signs can be crucial in ensuring your horse receives prompt veterinary care and the best possible chance of recovery.

By understanding these different presentations of colic, you can become a more observant horse owner, better equipped to recognise the warning signs and take swift action when needed. Early detection and intervention are critical for a positive outcome, and this knowledge could potentially save your horse’s life.

Gas Colic

Horses are hindgut fermenters, meaning the majority of their digestion occurs in the large intestine. Here, microbes break down plant material, releasing gases like carbon dioxide and methane as byproducts. When this fermentation process becomes imbalanced, excessive gas can accumulate, leading to distension and discomfort. This buildup of gas can significantly distend the abdomen, causing discomfort and even severe pain.

Horses with gas colic may exhibit a distended abdomen, particularly on the left side.

Spasmodic Colic

Spasmodic colic occurs when the intestinal muscles experience abnormal and painful contractions. These spasms disrupt the normal movement of food and fluids through the digestive tract, leading to discomfort and even severe pain. The exact cause of these spasms can be difficult to pinpoint, but potential contributing factors include sudden dietary changes, parasite infestations, and electrolyte imbalances.

Horses experiencing spasmodic colic may exhibit intense pain, rolling, and pawing. They may also show signs of restlessness and discomfort, such as sweating and looking at their flanks repeatedly.

Impaction Colic

Impaction colic occurs when a blockage forms within the intestines, preventing the normal flow of food and digestive material. Common causes of impactions include the ingestion of indigestible materials such as sand, dirt, or even large quantities of dry feed. Dehydration can also contribute to impaction by hardening the ingesta, making it more difficult to pass through the intestines.

Horses with impaction colic may exhibit signs of abdominal pain, reduced appetite, and produce less manure.

Torsion Colic

Torsion colic, also known as a “twisted gut,” is a life-threatening condition where a section of the intestine twists around itself, cutting off its blood supply. This blockage severely restricts blood flow, leading to tissue damage and the release of toxins into the bloodstream.

Horses with torsion colic often exhibit severe and persistent pain, with signs such as violent rolling, profuse sweating, and a rapid heart rate. This condition requires immediate veterinary intervention, as prompt surgical correction is often necessary to save the horse’s life.

Sand Colic

Sand colic occurs when significant amounts of sand accumulate within the horse’s intestines. This often happens when horses graze on sandy pastures, inadvertently ingesting sand with their food. Over time, this ingested sand can build up, forming a heavy mass that can obstruct the normal flow of digestive material.

Horses with sand colic may exhibit signs of colic, including abdominal pain, reduced appetite, and decreased manure production. In some cases, they may also experience weight loss and poor performance.

Displacement Colic

Displacement colic occurs when a portion of the intestine shifts from its normal anatomical position within the abdomen. This abnormal positioning can obstruct the free flow of digestive material, leading to discomfort and potentially more serious complications. Several types of displacement can occur, such as left dorsal displacement where a section of the large intestine moves over the top of the stomach, and right dorsal displacement where it shifts to the right side of the abdomen.

Prompt veterinary diagnosis and treatment are crucial for horses with displacement colic. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the abnormal positioning of the intestine and restore normal digestive function.

Recognising the Signs of Colic

While the specific symptoms of colic can vary depending on the underlying cause, here are some common signs in horses.

What to Do If You Suspect Colic

If you suspect your horse is experiencing colic, contact your veterinarian immediately. Provide them with a detailed description of your horse’s symptoms and any changes in their behaviour. Early intervention is crucial for the best possible outcome.

Our Next Blog In the Series – Prevention

In the next blog post of our Colic in Horses series, we will explore practical strategies for preventing colic in horses and we will delve into key preventative measures. Stay tuned for valuable insights on keeping your equine companions healthy!