Colic is the leading cause of death in horses and represents one of the most significant welfare crises in equine care, with many cases preventable through appropriate management.
Colic causes severe acute abdominal pain that is among the most distressing welfare experiences horses face. Clinical signs including kicking at the belly, repeated lying and getting up, sweating, and elevated heart rate indicate significant suffering. Veterinary assessment is urgently required for all but the mildest cases. Delaying treatment while attempting home remedies reduces treatment success and prolongs suffering. Medical management includes analgesics, spasmolytics, and intestinal lubricants. Surgical colic carries high mortality but appropriately timed surgery saves horses with mechanical obstruction. Prevention focuses on the risk factors: sudden dietary change, inadequate water intake, parasites, dental problems, and stress. Horses recovering from colic require careful reintroduction to feed and monitoring for recurrence.