Understanding Colic: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

If you own or spend any time around horses, then you have undoubtedly witnessed a horse suffering a bout of colic. Of course, many of us who aren't intimately familiar with horses or who don't have much time around them, may not understand what it is they are seeing at first. The good news is, horses are smart, and they know how to communicate. When our horses start to feel the discomfort of issues like colic, they often alert us. The key, however, is understanding the signs, and perhaps more importantly, knowing how to treat and even help prevent colic.

If you are looking for a veterinarian near you or an equine vet in or around the Groveland Sherborn, MA, area, the professional and experienced veterinary team at Backstretch Veterinary Assoc Inc. can help.

What Is Equine Colic?

The easiest or most comparable thing to equine colic is a stomach ache. Much like how we experience these stomach pains on different levels of severity, so do our equine friends. Types of colic include gas colic, spasmodic colic, colon shift, and parasitic colic.

Signs and Symptoms of Colic

When experiencing equine colic pain, a horse may show signs of discomfort by pawing the ground, curling its lips, or arching its neck. In more severe cases, a horse might even lie on the ground, sometimes rolling from side to side as a reaction to the pain. In the most severe cases of equine colic, it is sometimes necessary to consider a colic surgery procedure.

Preventive Care for Colic

Colic prevention can be as simple as ensuring horses have a regular and healthy diet, and as cumbersome as ensuring that they aren't ingesting sand or at risk for concerns like dehydration from lack of water or heat exposure.

Treatment for Equine Colic

Treating colic can include using laxatives, fluid therapy methods, and sometimes medication. That is also why it is a good idea to see your vet if you think your horse is suffering from colic.

For your equine vet needs in and around the Groveland Sherborn, MA, area, the Backstretch Veterinary Assoc Inc team is here to help with all your equine care needs. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment today.