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 Colic in Horses and Ponies
By Alison Grimston
Colic is abdominal pain caused by a build up
of gas in the abdomen, and is a veterinary emergency. In
all cases, your vet should be called immediately.
Colic has three main forms. These are tympanitic colic,
spasmodic colic and obstructive colic.
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Tympanitic colic (bloat, gastric tympany, wind colic)
presents as severe, continuous pain associated with
sweating, a fast pulse, a tense abdomen, especially in the
right flank, high pitched bowel sounds, attempts to lie
down or roll, and anxiety.
The cause may be food material fermenting in stomach or
large colon, and by large quantities of grain or coarse
mix, or rich spring grazing.
Treatment consists of analgesia for pain control and
anti-spasmotic drugs, while oral antibiotics and vegetable
oils help reduce fermentation in the gut. Pressure of gas
in the stomach can be relieved via a stomach tube. Recovery
is usually complete.
Spasmodic colic is the commonest type of colic. It presents
often in younger horses, with shorter episodes lasting a
few hours. There is colicky (i.e. intermittent) abdominal
pain, sweating, restlessness, a tense abdomen, loud bowel
sounds, and the horse will try to roll. Rolling does no
harm.
The cause is often migrating worm larvae, or a salt
imbalance with a lack of sodium and chloride ions from
dehydration.
Treatment is with antispasmodics and sedatives.
Obstructive Colic: This may be divided into the severe,
acute obstruction and the less severe, less painful
impaction.
Symptoms consist of shock due to the release of toxins,
acute severe pain, high pulse rate, high temperature at
times, constipation, poor appetite, lying down at times,
and the horse may look at its flanks.
The cause is often overeating, especially dry material '
the worst is unsoaked dry foods that are supposed to be
soaked. Sudden changes to diet, mechanical obstruction '
twisting of the gut, tumours, herniation ' and food
impaction such as at the pelvic flexure are other causes.
Treatment often requires emergency surgery, liquid paraffin
and saline by stomach tube, and rectal massage to break up
a mass of food particles.
Complementary Therapies: Please note that colic is a
veterinary emergency; always call your vet.
Veterinary treatment may be supported and supplemented by:
Bach flower remedies such as Rescue Remedy. Always helpful
in emergencies is Spiritual healing and Reiki to help calm as well as
Crystal healing, Massage and Acupressure.
Conclusion: Although you should call the vet out in all
cases of colic, it is useful for us to be aware of the fact
that not all colic is the rapidly progressive, often fatal
obstructive colic. Always be guided by your vet in the
management of colic. Try to prevent colic where possible,
by ensuring that all soakable foods are adequately soaked
with the water quantity and duration needed, and by making
any dietary changes gradually over a few days. Supportive
management while awaiting the vet will rarely cause harm.
About the Author:
Dr Alison Grimston is a holistic doctor and animal healer
specializing in connecting and informing animal therapists.
Her natural animal therapy website informs the public about
animal therapies while connecting animal therapists
worldwide. http://www.TheNaturallyHealthyPet.com
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