Colic can be caused by many things but the result is always disruption of normal flow of intestinal movement.

Sex and breed have no relation to whether a horse can get colic - any horse can come down with it. However, horses confined to stalls most of the day, horses fed grain before hay, and horses in vigorous training are more prone to the condition.

Colic can arise out of torsion (twisting) of the bowel, or displacement -- when the intestines move out of their normal position in the stomach.

Colic can be impaction itself, such as constipation. Or it can be stomach bloating caused by gas and overeating. Gas occurs from rich food expanding in the stomach or eating too rapidly.

All forms of colic require immediate medical attention as they can be life-threatening. Do not try to determine the cause of the colic yourself once it has begun. Remove food and water and phone the vet.

In the meantime, prevent the horse from rolling. Hay bales can be placed on both sides to keep him still.

If he’s standing, try to walk him slowly while waiting for the doctor. However, if he is resting quietly, leave him be. It is more important that you try to keep his stress level down than anything.

Signs of a Colicky Horse

• Kicking at stomach
• Rolling on the ground
• Stretching abnormally, as if to urinate but not urinating
• Not passing feces
• Repeated lying down and getting up
• Biting at the stomach or turning head repeatedly toward the stomach
• Rapid breathing, sweating, and pawing at the ground
• Frequent curling of upper lip (called the flehmen response)
• Stops eating and drinking

A-Z of Horse Diseases & Health Problems

Colic in the Horse