Colic is the leading cause of death in horses and one of the most acute welfare emergencies in equine care, but many cases are preventable through good management.
Colic pain ranges from moderate discomfort to agony: horses with severe twisted gut experience intense pain before treatment and may require emergency surgery. The acute welfare cost of colic episodes is high, and without treatment, many forms are fatal. The preventive welfare case is strong: horses fed primarily forage, allowed regular exercise, and with access to water have significantly lower colic rates. The welfare cost of poor feeding management is measured in acute suffering and death.