horse colic

How do I know if my horse has colic?

Colic can range from mild to severe, with horses showing a multitude of signs when afflicted with gastrointestinal pain. Horse owners should be familiar with their horse’s normal vital signs and behaviour, so they are quickly alerted if a colic episode arises.  Horses are incredibly stoic animals. In nature, as a prey species, any vulnerable horse affected by illness or injury may mask outward signs and this can occur when mild abdominal pain – the first level of colic – develops. In its earliest stages, mild abdominal pain may only be noticed by a slight change in behaviour, such as increased time spent lying down, failure to finish a meal or a variation in manure output. If you suspect colic early, it’s best to check your horse’s vital signs for any changes. Listed below are the normal vital signs for horses: Pulse: the normal resting pulse rate should be between 32-40 beats per minute Respiration: the normal respiratory rate should be between 8-20 breaths per minute Temperature: a rectal temperature between 37.5-38.5 degrees celsius is considered normal Any sudden spike in heart rate, respiratory rate or temperature may indicate a health problem, such as colic, and you should call your veterinarian immediately to discuss the situation. The absence of gut sounds is also cause for concern. As a horse’s colic progresses from mild to severe, their behaviours may change as the pain and discomfort becomes more intense. Some of the common signs of colic include: Mild abdominal pain Loss of interest in food or water Playing in the water trough, but not drinking Pawing at the ground Moderate abdominal pain Frequently laying down and getting up Kicking at the belly Grunting Severe abdominal pain Excessive sweating around the flanks or shoulders Continuous rolling Getting up and down violently While this list of clinical signs is by no means exhaustive, it does show the variety of behaviours commonly associated with colic. If you have any concerns about your horse and the possibility of colic, you should contact your veterinarian urgently who can assess the situation. Your veterinarian will be able to perform a complete physical examination of your horse, along with a thorough investigation of their paddock, bedding and stall to determine if there is evidence of colic. Diagnostic testing may also be necessary to identify the type of colic present.  NB:  If your horse is not Hendra vaccinated your vet may be limited in diagnostic test they can perform.  Depending on their clinic Hendra protocol, some vets will not perform invasive procedures on any unvaccinated horses.  Check with your local vet for their protocol.  

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What is colic and how do I prevent it?

There are many types of colic, each with its own causes, treatment and prevention. Generally, colic is defined as any abnormal gastrointestinal pain in horses. With careful management and a commitment to your horse’s health, colic may be prevented.  Causes of Colic  The horse has the most poorly designed digestive system out of any animal, which makes them highly susceptible to colic – from stomach distension to impaction colic. Unfortunately, this means even a simple change in feed can lead to colic if not managed correctly. There are several common causes of colic, including: Ineffective worm control Sudden feed changes Dehydration Mouldy or tainted feed Dental problems or poor dental care High-grain, low-forage diets Prolonged use of NSAIDs Sand or dirt ingestion Stress  Signs of Colic As a horse owner, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with your horse’s normal vital signs and behaviour. In some cases, horses may exhibit no outward signs at all, so the only indication of colic may be a variation in heart rate, respiratory rate or rectal temperature. The most common signs of colic are: Pawing at the ground Looking around at the flank Frequently laying down and getting up Rolling Curling the upper lip Playing in the water trough, but not drinking Keeping the head to ground while walking in circles Increased heart rate or breathing rate Excessive sweating around the flanks or shoulders Loss of interest in food or water  The absence of gut sounds is serious and may also indicate colic.  Preventing Colic  There are several important horse management practices that will support your horse’s health and wellbeing, and aid in preventing colic. These are: Provide your horse with the three F’s daily – friends, forage and freedom Feed your horse at the same times each day and keep to this schedule Feed several smaller meals as opposed to one large meal Make gradual changes to your horse’s diet, including feed, hay and pasture Ensure your horse has unlimited access to fresh, clean drinking water daily Implement effective worming programs on your property Check feed storage regularly for signs of mould, vermin, etc. If respiratory issues are a concern, wet your horse’s feed prior to feeding Maintain dental health, including a dental examination at least once per year Utilise feed bins and buckets to avoid sand or dirt ingestion at feeding time  

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Psyillium Husks

Should I feed my horse psyllium husks?

Derived from the husk of the psyllium seed, commercial psyllium products are promoted as aids to eliminate sand from the horse’s digestive system. However, numerous studies into the effectiveness of psyllium husks have uncovered some findings worth exploring. Regardless of where you live, your horse will ingest dirt and sand each day when grazing and eating directly from the ground. This increases the risk of sand colic, where dirt and sand build up within the digestive system, leading to potentially severe digestive upset, such as impaction. While feeding psyllium husks is not harmful to your horse, several studies indicate that long-term use reduces its efficiency to rid your horse’s digestive tract of dirt and sand build-up. Instead, microbes in the bowel start to ingest psyllium husks as a fiber source. Consulting your veterinarian is an important first step in determining whether you should feed psyllium husks and how much your horse requires. There are a number of clinical tests your veterinarian is also able to perform if you have concerns about sand ingestion. However, like most health problems, prevention is certainly better than cure. Anywhere there is sand, decomposed granite, or gravel, the risks of sand colic increase. Similarly, soft footing areas in paddocks and arenas can lead to sand ingestion. To protect your horse from the risk of sand colic, you should: Do you have questions about your horse’s diet? Call us today on (07) 4511 4554 to speak with one of our qualified veterinarians about a diet consultation for your horse. Click here to learn more about our nutrition and diet services.

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5 Common Horse Health Problems During Summer

With hotter temperatures and seasonal changes, Summer can be harsh on our horses. There are many health problems that can arise and, in this article, we share five of the most common, plus how they can be avoided. 1 Dehydration A consequence of fluid loss, dehydration can affect your horse year-round, but remains more prevalent during Summer. To avoid dehydration, ensure your horse has unlimited access to fresh, clean water, including before and after exercise, and when travelling. Dehydration can lead to tying up and impaction colic. A severely dehydrated horse will be lethargic, with dry, tacky mucous membranes and sunken eyes. If dehydration gets to this point, call your veterinarian immediately. Learn how to spot dehydration early by clicking here. 2 Insect hypersensitivity Also called sweet itch or Queensland itch, this allergic reaction is caused by the saliva of biting midges, with the reaction most common on the belly, root of the mane, base of the tail and face. Causing itchiness, which leads to intense rubbing, your horse can damage their skin. To protect against flies and insects, you may consider using a light fly sheet and fly mask, along with insect repellent. Be sure to check your horse regularly under their rug and fly mask to ensure they remain comfortable throughout the day. 3 Heat stress With a body that holds heat more efficiently than it disperses it, horses can acquire dangerously high body temperatures during Summer. A heat stressed horse will sweat profusely and, in extreme cases, they may stop sweating altogether. Heat stress can also be recognised by panting, a dull demeanour or panicky behaviour. If your horse is heat stressed, cold water hose them, scrape it off and repeat. Keep them in the shade and offer them water. You may also use ice packs on their face and neck. With no proven cure, horses with anhidrosis – the inability to sweat – must be managed carefully during Summer. An anhidrotic horse will be unable to cool themselves and may show signs of heat stress, such as those described above. You may identify anhidrosis in your horse if they are dry when other horses are sweating or the temperature or level of activity would normally produce sweating. Horses with anhidrosis should be kept in a cooler environment and may require more stringent cooling methods during Summer. 4 Sunburn Many white and grey horses can be affected the sun. Just like in humans, sunburnt skin will be red, tender and swollen. If the sunburn is severe, the skin may also crack, bleed or ooze fluid. Where possible, sunburn is best avoided. Shield your horse’s skin from overexposure with a light rug and fly mask. Be mindful of vulnerable areas, like the muzzle, and use zinc if you don’t have a nose flap to cover it. If your horse is sunburnt, apply a thick emollient cream to the area. 5 Colic There are many causes of colic and the main ones in the summer months are due to the introduction of different feeds or hays and the amount of fast growing grasses after rain. This causes the bacteria in the intestinal system to have a field day and produce more gas after breaking down different feeds. This gas often builds up and is not released fast enough. When the intestines stretch, pain receptors are activated causing the common signs of colic like pouring at the ground, rolling and laying down etc. If you suspect your horse has colic call your local Equine Veterinarian for advice as soon as you notice signs.

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My horse is pawing at the ground. What should I do?

Horses are prone to colic as they have a poorly designed digestive system and is the number one cause of death in horses. Colic is a condition that affects the digestive system of horses and can range from mild to severe. One of the most common signs of colic is when a horse starts pawing at the ground. As an owner, it is important to know how to recognize the signs of colic and what to do when they occur. The first step is to determine what type of colic your horse is experiencing. There are several types of colic, including gas colic, impaction colic, and twisted bowel colic. Each type requires a different treatment approach, and some may require veterinary intervention. If your horse is exhibiting signs of colic, such as pawing at the ground, it is important to act quickly. While some cases of colic can resolve on their own, others can be life-threatening. As a responsible owner, it is always best to err on the side of caution and call your veterinarian for advice. Together, you can determine the best course of action for your horse’s health and well-being. Is It Colic? As a horse owner, it can be concerning to see your horse pawing at the ground. This behavior can be a sign of colic, which is a common digestive disorder in horses. Colic can range from mild to severe and can be caused by a variety of factors. In this section, I will discuss the types, symptoms, and causes of colic to help you determine if your horse is experiencing this condition. Types of Colic There are several types of colic that horses can experience, including: Gas colic – caused by an accumulation of gas in the intestines Spasmodic colic – caused by muscle spasms in the intestines Impaction colic – caused by a blockage in the intestines Twisted gut colic – caused by a twisting of the intestines Each type of colic requires different treatment, so it is important to identify the type of colic your horse is experiencing. Symptoms of Colic There are several symptoms of colic that you should look out for, including: Pawing at the ground Rolling or lying down excessively Loss of appetite Restlessness or agitation Excessive sweating Increased heart rate Diarrhoea Difficulty passing manure If your horse is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is important to take action to determine the cause of the problem. Causes of Colic There are many factors that can contribute to colic, including: Dietary changes Dehydration Parasites Stress Overexertion Intestinal blockages It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of colic, but identifying the potential factors can help you take steps to prevent it from occurring in the future. How to Treat Colic First Aid If I suspect that my horse has colic, I will immediately remove all food and water and monitor the horse closely. Walking the horse can help alleviate some discomfort and prevent the horse from lying down and rolling, which can cause further damage, however walking can also tire them out so don’t walk continually for long periods of time. I will also check the horse’s vital signs, including temperature, pulse, and respiration rate, and record them to provide to the vet if necessary. If the horse has not passed manure in a few hours, it is always best to consult with a vet. Medical Treatment If the horse’s condition does not improve within an hour or if the horse’s vital signs are abnormal, call the vet immediately. The vet may administer pain medication, fluids, and other medications to help alleviate the horse’s discomfort and treat the underlying cause of the colic. The type of colic will determine the appropriate treatment. For example, impaction colic may require more aggressive medical treatment, such as surgery, while spasmodic colic may respond well to medication and rest. If surgery is necessary, the horse will need to be transported to a surgical facility, and the vet will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare the horse for transport. Do You Need to Call a Vet? When to Call a Vet If your horse is pawing at the ground and showing other signs of colic, such as rolling, sweating, and refusing to eat or drink, it is important to call a vet as soon as possible. Colic can be a life-threatening condition, and early intervention is crucial for the best possible outcome. Even if you are not sure whether your horse is experiencing colic or another medical issue, it is always better to err on the side of caution and seek veterinary attention. What to Expect When the Vet Arrives When the vet arrives, they will likely perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your horse’s symptoms and behavior. They may also perform diagnostic tests, such as a rectal palpation, bloodwork or ultrasounds to determine the cause and severity of the colic. Depending on the type and severity of the colic, treatment options may include medication, surgery, or other interventions. Your vet will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your horse’s individual needs. It is important to follow your vet’s instructions carefully and monitor your horse closely for any changes in behavior or symptoms. In some cases, colic can be a recurring problem, so it is important to take steps to prevent future episodes, such as ensuring your horse has access to clean water and plenty of forage, and avoiding sudden changes in diet or exercise routine. Remember, when it comes to colic, time is of the essence. If you suspect that your horse is experiencing colic, don’t hesitate to call a vet. With prompt and appropriate treatment, most horses can recover from colic and go on to lead happy, healthy lives.

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