COLIC: CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS
“Colic” – one of the most feared conditions by horse owners, is more likely to strike when your horse is on the road than any other time. It can come on quickly and have devastating health consequences. There are lots of myths and wives’ tales about what causes colic and how to prevent it. There is good reason for this. Colic is a complicated condition with no simple answers. However, in this article we’re going to rely upon scientific studies to help cut through the confusion and provide steps you can use to prevent colic on the road.
The word “colic” describes a broad range of conditions that cause abdominal discomfort in horses. However, it’s more complicated than a simple tummy-ache. One source of discomfort could be gastric distention, which is an enlarged or swollen stomach. This can be particularly dangerous because horses cannot vomit when they get a full stomach, potentially leading to rupture if the pressure is not relieved (Gill – Chapter 3). Other causes could include bowel entrapment, twisting, or distension. Impaction could also occur by accumulations of firm, dry feed blocking the intestine.
Recognizing colic is not trivial, but there are some signs and symptoms to be aware of. These include poor appetite, appearing uncomfortable or lethargic, and looking at or kicking to their stomach. If you think your horse is displaying signs of colic you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Colic can occur at any time, but it tends to occur during periods of higher than normal stress, including travel. A study by Kaneen and colleagues found that horses involved in certain activities (races, shows, events) were at significantly higher risk of colic. In fact, it was the second highest risk factor behind foaling!
HYDRATION
Multiple other colic studies have found a consistent theme… DEHYDRATION, is a top risk factor. In particular, the #1 RISK FACTOR identified by Kaya and coworkers was reduced water consumption, increasing colic risk by 2 to 12 times. Another study by Reeves and colleagues also found that not having access to adequate water was the highest impact risk factor. The risks may be even higher during hot temperatures or when you are exercising your horse hard (Gordon, Chapter 6).
When you are at the show, rodeo, event, or trail riding the #1 thing you should consider to prevent colic is to ensure they have a clean source of sufficient water. This is easier said than done. Many animals do not like water on the road because it’s chlorinated. It’s not surprising because you likely do not like the water either. Have you ever travelled to a new city and thought the water tasted bad? It’s probably due to the city’s chlorine disinfection process and your horse hates it just as much as you…if not worse!
“many animals do not like water on the road because it’s chlorinated”
In addition to preventing them from drinking the water, chlorinated water can potentially have even more harmful effects on the animal if they do drink it? Chlorine kills the bad bacteria in drinking water, but it can also kill the good bacteria in your horse’s gut. These microorganisms are important to the fermentation processes in their digestive system (Smyth – Chapter 2).
A recently developed product, ShowFresH2O™, was designed to safely dechlorinate city water for horses. A small amount of the product is simply mixed into the water for about one minute. It converts chlorine from a bad smelling, harmful form to an odorless, harmless form. It is best used from the beginning to end of your travels to ensure that chlorine does not interfere with your animals’ hydration. Learn more about its Frequently Asked Questions.
Many people will haul water to their events. Not only is this a time-consuming process that takes up trailer space, but it may lead to health risks for your horse. This is because water can spoil within a day or two, depending upon temperature and how sterile are the water and storage tanks.
FEEDING
Diet changes are another leading risk factor to colic. When you are on the road you will want to maintain a feeding routine as similar to home as possible. This means feeding the same, non-moldy, feed and hay in the same quantities and on the same schedule. Studies have found that increased use of concentrated feed can lead to colic, so this is a change that you would especially want to avoid while travelling.
Horses are curious and playful and this can sometimes lead to them consuming an inedible object that can obstruct their digestive tract (Gordon, Chapter 6). When you first board in an unfamiliar stall make sure it is free of foreign bodies that would harm the horse if ingested. This could include bailing twine, rubber fencing or footing, stones, metal objects, etc.
SUMMARY
The next time you’re on the road with your horse consider the following to prevent colic:
- Provide access to clean, fresh water at all times and especially during times of high performance and/or high temperatures.
- Consider using a dechlorinating product such ShowFresH2O™ to safely eliminate chlorine from municipal water.
- Maintain a feeding routine similar to home.
- Feed high quality hay that’s not moldy.
- Make sure the stall is free of foreign and inedible material that the horse may eat.
KEY REFERENCES
Goncalves et al., Risk factors associated with colic in horses. Vet. Res. 33 (2002) 641–652
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