Colic: What it is, how to spot it, and how to keep your horse safe

  4 Minutes

As horse owners, we are deeply invested in the well-being of our equine companions. One of the scariest health concerns we face is colic, a condition that can strike without warning and turn a peaceful day into a frantic race against time. Colic is a term used to describe abdominal pain in horses usually caused by problems in the gastrointestinal tract. This pain can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening distress.

Colic is one of the most common medical emergencies a horse can experience with an estimated 4-11% of horses suffering from colic every year. Colic can strike any horse, regardless of age, breed or discipline. This article will equip you with the knowledge you need to recognise the symptoms of colic, improving the chance of early detection and successful treatment of this potentially fatal condition.

Causes of colic

Horses have very large, very sensitive digestive systems. Colic in horses is generally caused by issues related to the gastrointestinal tract, although non-intestinal conditions like laminitis can also mimic colic symptoms. Common causes include:

• Changes in diet
• Changes in routine or exercise
• Dental issues
• Sand ingestion
• Stall confinement
• Dehydration
• Parasites
• Mouldy feed or hay
• Stress
• Infection
• Recent foaling
• Long-term use of anti-inflammatory medications

Types of colic

Gas or spasmodic colic are the most common types, caused by gas buildup or intestinal spasms. Other types of colic include impaction (a blockage caused by a buildup of dry material), displacement (abnormal location of a part of the intestinal tract), and strangulation (the blood supply is cut off by twisting of the intestine).

Symptoms/signs of colic

Recognising the symptoms of colic is vital for early intervention. The signs can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, your horse will display subtle behaviours like lip curling, flank watching and pawing the ground. As the condition progresses, restlessness and pawing the ground become more pronounced. In moderate cases, horses posture to urinate, lie down and get up repeatedly, or lie on their side. These behaviours are indicative of increasing pain and distress. In severe cases, the symptoms become more alarming. Violent rolling, sweating, and rapid breathing are all signs that the horse is experiencing extreme abdominal pain.

It is important to act as soon as your horse shows any sign of colic. Severe cases can be fatal, and colic is a leading cause of death in horses (excluding old age).

What to do if your horse has colic

If you suspect your horse is experiencing colic, it is important to remain calm and act swiftly. Remove all food from their stall, make sure they have plenty of fresh water and keep an eye on their fecal output. For mild symptoms, walk the horse for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Walking can help alleviate discomfort and assist digestion. Do not walk them for an extended time as this might tire them out and dehydrate them. You need to keep a close eye on your horse as things can change quickly. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to get veterinary help immediately. In cases where your horse is showing moderate to severe symptoms, such as violent rolling or significant distress, contact a veterinarian for urgent help. The sooner your horse receives medical treatment, the better the chances of a successful outcome.

Treatment options

Treatment for colic depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. You must contact your vet to assess the severity of the colic. For mild cases, medical management may involve administering pain relief and keeping your horse hydrated with IV fluids. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address issues like intestinal twists or blockages. The decision to operate is typically made after a thorough examination and diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound or radiography, to determine the extent of the problem. After a colic episode, your vet will recommend a feeding schedule to make sure the colic doesn’t reoccur. It’s important to make sure that your horse has completely recovered and is showing no colic symptoms before they go back to their normal feeding and working schedule.

Preventing colic

Prevention is the most effective strategy for managing colic. You can reduce the risk of this condition affecting your horses. Feeding a balanced, forage-based diet with minimal grain is essential. This type of diet mimics the horse’s natural grazing behaviour and supports healthy digestion. Ensuring consistent access to clean water is also important, as dehydration can exacerbate any existing gastrointestinal issues. Gradually introducing changes in diet over 7-10 days helps prevent sudden digestive upset.

Regular deworming will prevent parasitic infestations from becoming severe enough to cause colic. Minimising stall confinement and ensuring regular turnout enables your horses to move freely, which helps digestion and reduces stress. Avoiding mouldy feed or hay is also important, as these can introduce toxins into the system. Managing stress and providing social interaction can help prevent colic triggered by anxiety.

Equi-strath is proven to enhance and modulate the immune system which puts the body into a ‘perfect balance’. This enables your horse’s system to react quickly and effectively when things go wrong. Equi-strath is a 100% natural nutritional supplement formulated and manufactured in Switzerland. Equi-strath can either be given neat or mixed into food. Your equine friend will love the sweet, malty taste of Equi-Strath. Plus, it’s completely free from preservatives & synthetic substances. It nourishes the body and supports your horse during times of stress and recovery.

 

Understanding the complexities of colic and taking proactive steps to prevent it can help ensure your horses live healthier, happier lives. Through education and vigilance, you can reduce the incidence of this serious health issue and provide your beloved companions with the care and protection they deserve.

This article first appeared on Equi-Strath and can be found here.

References and additional reading:

1. 10 tips for preventing colic (2019) South Shore Equine Clinic. Available at: https://www.ssequineclinic.com/10-tips-for-preventing-colic/
2. Court, R. (no date) Horse colic prevention and management, Blue Cross. Available at: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/horse/health-and-injuries/horse-colic-prevention-and-management
3. Redback (2021) Signs of colic in horses: Scone Equine Hospital, Scone Equine. Available at: https://www.sconeequinehospital.com.au/blog/2019/03/27/10-steps-to-managing-your-horse-with-colic/
4. Ricard, Dr.M. (2025) Colic in horses: Treatment, Management & Prevention [Guide]: Mad barn, Mad Barn USA. Available at: https://madbarn.com/colic-in-horses/
5. Thunes, C. (2025) Preventing impaction colic recurrence, The Horse. Available at: https://thehorse.com/175488/preventing-impaction-colic-recurrence/
6. What is colic? (no date) What is colic? – Equine Hospital – University of Liverpool. Available at: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/equine/common-conditions/colic/what-is-colic/