EQUIVET AUSTRAILA - EQUINE INFO - COLIC

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

• Sweating increased or decreased gut sounds
• Pawing at the ground
• Continuously swishing the tail more than usual
• Walking around in circles
• Walking around in a backwards direction
• Rolling on the ground
• Getting up and down frequently
• Failing to shake when they get up from a lie down
• Baring of the teeth
• Increased passing of wind

WHAT TO DO?

• Monitor these symptoms for severity
• NOTIFY A VET OF YOUR CONCERNS IMMEDIATELY (DO NOT WAIT)
• Remove ALL food substances from yard
• If horse is rolling, put on a lead and walk horse around to help ease discomfort while waiting for the vet.
• When the horse rolls to try and reduce pain, it can increase the risk of bowel twisting, possibly resulting in major colic surgery
• If the horse must roll, let them roll
• Do not endanger yourself in any way
• Administer any medication the vet has advised where possible
• Check the condition of your other horses. Sometimes a change of feed can instigate colic
• It is best to check over the other horses in case the colic is feed related

WHAT CAUSES COLIC?... Some possible reasons:

• A change or increase of the normal feed routine
• Abdominal pain or a medical condition
• Lack of adequate water
• Irregular feeding