Colic is the leading cause of death in horses and a major source of acute pain — evidence-based prevention can significantly reduce incidence and welfare harm.
Colic causes acute suffering that can range from discomfort to extreme agony, depending on type and severity. Horses experiencing colic show pawing, rolling, looking at their flank, sweating, and elevated heart rate — clear signs of significant pain. The welfare imperative for colic management is both prevention and rapid, effective pain relief when episodes occur. Prevention through management — maximizing forage access, avoiding sudden diet changes, maintaining parasite control, providing consistent water access, and ensuring regular dental care — reduces incidence of the most common colic types. When colic occurs, early veterinary assessment and pain relief prevent suffering from escalating and improve prognosis. Owners who know their horse's normal vital signs can recognize colic earlier and initiate appropriate responses faster.