Equine Colic - Signs, Symptoms, Treatment

Signs the Horse May be Suffering from Colic

What does a horse in pain look like? There are many degrees of pain, from mild to debilitating. The clinical signs displayed by the horse will vary. A glassy eye is often an indication of pain. An awake but unresponsive horse may be experiencing pain; usually, the ears are back or loose and drooping to the sides, the lip may be curled and the eyes may be closed. The body may be tense and the horse may show irritation or an anxious expression. Some horses grind their teeth. Pain can also cause profuse sweating and restlessness. Pulse and respiration are generally elevated.

Behavioural Signs

• Pawing, sometimes with the horse holding his front leg up before pawing
• Restlessness, getting up and lying down
• Lying down for prolonged periods of time
• Rolling will vary depending on pain level (in a normal roll a horse will shake; a colicky horse will not shake after a roll)
• Looking at flank
• Kicking at belly
• Curling of lip
• Stretching as if wanting to urinate
• Crouching as if wanting to lie down
• Holding head in an unusual position (neck extended, head rotated)
• May be off feed

Physical

• Elevated heart rate (normal pulse range is 28-44 beats per minute); the higher the heart rate the more serious the colic is likely to be.
• Temperature may be in the normal range of 37.5-39.5 degrees Celsius, but it can also be less than normal if the horse is in shock.
• Respiration is often shallow and rapid, with flared nostrils (normal is 10-24 breaths per minute); you may observe a distended abdomen (big belly).
• Mucus membranes may be dry, pale (normal is moist, pink), and refill may be slower than 1.5 seconds.
• There can be dehydration, and the skin fold may take longer than two seconds to return to the flat position.
• Gut sounds may be decreased or increased, and there may be “pinging” or a sound like “water dripping in a cave” when you listen with the stethoscope.
• Eyes may be glassy or anxious, ears may be drooping out to the sides, and the horse may not be responsive.

Other

• Manure may change in consistency, colour, and odour, and may be reduced.

When Colic is Suspected:

• If the horse is outside, bring him into the barn or a shelter.
• Call the veterinarian or an equine industry professional.
• Remove all feed but offer water.
• Keep the horse warm and relaxed.
• Hand walk the horse to keep it from rolling and injuring itself.
• Record the temperature, pulse and respiration, and other health parameters if you can do so safely, and report these to the veterinarian.

Colic at Specific Sites in the Equine Digestive Tract