Colic is a common problem in horses and all owners will either have had or know of a horse who has had a previous episode. Colic is not a diagnosis of any specific condition in horses but a descriptive term meaning visceral abdominal pain. There are many causes of colic in horses. Any horse who is exhibiting anything more than mild abdominal discomfort for a few minutes requires veterinary attention. Even if the discomfort resolves rapidly veterinary advice may help to avoid future episode.

 So what should I do if my horse has colic? 

1) Stay calm and keep the number of people around your horse to a minimum.

2) Call the vet

3) Remove all food from your horse whilst still allowing access to water

4) If signs are mild keep your horse in a stable ensuring there is plenty of bedding

5) If your horse is lying down do not force it to get up – it will be in the position that is most comfortable

6) Remove any fixtures or fittings from the stable that may cause injury if your horse starts to roll

7) Quiet gentle walking may distract your horse to prevent him or her from rolling. Gentle exercise also encourages normal gut motility.

8) If your horse is rolling violently and continually your first priority is for your own safety, if possible to prevent your horse from becoming cast move them to a field or riding arena. Try to keep your horse away from any hazards such as ditches, fences or walls.

Do not:

1) Just wait and see – horses with colic require immediate veterinary attention

2) Offer any food

3) Walk you horse to the point of exhaustion – though gentle exercise promotes gut motility overdoing it is counter-productive

4) Administer any kind of colic drench – these remedies are unlikely to do any good and may accidentally enter the lungs with possible serious consequences

5) Risk your own or other peoples safety in attempts to help your horse

Remember the sooner an effective treatment is started the better the chance of a speedy recovery and a positive outcome.

Return to Equine Services