What is colic in horses?

What causes colic

ver heard the expression "This is colic weather"? When there are sudden weather changes, like an unexpected rise in temperature, the risk of abdominal pain increases, especially for horses that are generally prone to colic. There are many different causes of colic, and the various types of colic are named accordingly.

With impaction colic, a horse struggles to pass manure. In cases of severe parasitic infestation, which is more common in young horses with weaker immune systems, colic can be caused by high worm pressure. Certain worms attack the intestinal lining, while others destroy blood vessels in the intestinal wall, leading to inflammation and restricted oxygen supply to the intestine. The result: colic cramps.

Sand colic occurs when horses ingest sand over time. This can happen, for example, if hay is fed on sandy ground or in pastures that have short, sparse grass growing in sandy soil. Horses vacationing for the first time near beaches, for instance, are prone to ingesting sand when grazing on coastal pastures.

Overeating colic results from consuming too much feed at once, like when a horse gains access to the feed room and helps itself liberally. Other forms include stress colic, inflammatory colic, displacement colic, and gas colic.

Unfortunately, horses that have previously experienced colic are at a significantly higher risk of having it again, leading to the term "colicky horse" to describe a horse with a predisposition for colic.

How to recognize signs of colic in horses

Clear symptoms of colic include: biting or kicking the belly, repeated rolling, and lack of manure production over a prolonged period in a single day. Louder-than-usual abdominal sounds can also be an indicator.

Less obvious signs of colic include: flehmen (lip curling), restlessness, and signs of a “pain face”. Pain face symptoms include slightly pinched nostrils and lips, ears turned slightly back or sideways, and an inward-focused expression. The horse may appear withdrawn or even irritable.

Additional early signs may include the refusal to eat or drink, along with a pain face.

Signs of severe danger and urgency include the following: if a horse is apathetic, sweating heavily, and has a bloated belly, the colic has reached a critical stage. Take the horse to a clinic immediately!

Colic symptoms are varied, and any one of these signs alone can indicate colic, though they may also appear in non-colic situations. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Disinterest in surroundings
  
• Ears turned back or sideways 
• Head held low 
• Lack of desire to move 
• Refusal to eat 
• Refusal to drink 
• Frequent switching between resting, standing, and lying down 
• Pacing or walking in circles
• The horse tries to lie down, begins to fold its legs, but stands up again 
• Unusual mouth activity: empty chewing, biting, yawning, or rubbing against objects 
• The horse appears withdrawn, staring into the distance for extended periods 
• Biting at the belly 
• Rolling 
• Sweating

How to support your horse after colic

Colic is taxing on a horse’s system, even in milder cases, so a recovery period is essential. Light exercise can also aid recovery for these naturally active animals.

It’s also important to assess the cause of the colic and consider changes that could prevent future incidents, such as adjusting roughage quantity, herd structure, or feeding practices. Mash is a classic post-colic feed because it coats the digestive tract. A traditional mash includes 100 grams of boiled linseed, 500 grams of rolled oats, and a handful of wheat bran. Herbs like chamomile, yarrow, oregano, and anise can also be added.

There are some supplements on the market that are supposed to reduce the likelihood of colic. It is not uncommon for stomach sensitivity and colic to occur at the same time, which is why some horses that are sensitive to colic also get them. Supplements designed to help prevent colic work with magnesium, for example. Other supplements use herbs, such as gastric juice from various manufacturers, which combines intestine-friendly pectins, magnesium and licorice. Of course, there are also feeds that combine concentrates, vitamins, minerals and additives for the gastrointestinal tract.

Colic prevention

Thoughtful feeding plays a key role in colic prevention for horses.

The first rule is to avoid long feeding gaps. Horses are constant grazers, and their digestive system is designed for continuous intake of small amounts. Hay should be the mainstay of their diet, with feeding breaks no longer than four to six hours. Automated feeders or hay nets can prevent lengthy nighttime fasting. Ruminants like straw, edible branches, and bark can also bridge feeding times.

Food quality is also extremely important. Feed should be hygienic, and regular nutrient checks ensure a balanced diet that supports digestive health. Sometimes, well-meant treats can cause issues; for instance, excessive apples in autumn can be risky.

Adequate water is also essential. Fresh water should always be available and in winter, offering tempered water can encourage drinking and prevent dehydration-related colic.

Stress-free feeding environments also help. Calm feeding conditions and minimizing food competition are essential. A rule of thumb: have one more feeding spot than horses in a group. For horses with both colic and leaky gut issues, adding yeast and inulin can be beneficial; fermenting plants like Jerusalem artichoke can help restore gut bacteria in 3–4 weeks. Another helpful tip: a psyllium husk regimen can help prevent sand colic. The husks are fed as a mash to help bind and expel sand from the horse’s system.

Finally, consider a colic-inclusive surgery insurance. Many insurances have a 7-day waiting period from the start date, and terms vary widely, so it’s worth comparing them closely. Look for coverage duration post-surgery to avoid unexpected costs when it matters most.