“Any horse has the ability to experience colic,” states Dr. Michael N. Fugaro. “The disorder is indiscriminate of age, sex, breed, occupation, or environment.”
The term “colic” refers to abdominal pain rather than a specific disorder. Conditions that commonly cause colic include gas, impaction, grain overload, sand ingestion, and parasite infection.
Marcia King offers dos and don’ts to match various stages of colic care.
Source: The Horse, August 22, 2018. Link.
Colic can be resolved easily about 90% of the time, but it can also be the end of your horse’s life. Don’t be misled by mild signs and conclude it’s a do-it-yourself solution: While that could be the case, the price of a phone consultation with your vet is much less costly and painful than dealing with a worsening surgical situation or the angst of unnecessary euthanasia.
INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this article in social media posts, blogs, websites and newsletters. It is a good resource to have in the truck for stable and farm calls as a leave behind, as well.