Horse Colic Prevention and Welfare Management

Colic is the leading cause of death in horses and a major source of suffering, but many cases are preventable through evidence-based management practices and early veterinary intervention.

Key Facts

Colic affects approximately 10% of horses each year and is fatal in 1 to 11% of cases depending on type
Spasmodic colic, the most common type, is often mild and resolves with treatment
Large colon displacement and volvulus are surgical emergencies with high mortality if not treated promptly
Feeding hay before grain, ensuring constant access to water, and consistent feeding schedules reduce colic risk
Sand colic, caused by sand ingestion in horses grazing on sandy soils, is preventable with psyllium supplementation

Welfare Considerations

Colic causes severe abdominal pain ranging from mild discomfort to excruciating anguish depending on type and severity. Horses in severe colic attempt to roll, paw the ground, look at their flanks, and show signs of intense distress. Early veterinary attention is critical because delay significantly worsens outcomes in surgical cases. Prevention focuses on management factors: consistent feeding schedules that reduce digestive upset, adequate forage before concentrate feeds, constant water access, regular dental care to ensure proper chewing, and appropriate deworming to reduce impaction risk. Horse owners must learn to recognize early colic signs to ensure rapid veterinary response when needed.

What You Can Do

Learn to recognize early signs of colic including pawing, flank-watching, and reduced manure production
Establish a relationship with an equine veterinarian before a colic emergency occurs
Maintain consistent feeding schedules and ensure hay is offered before grain
Ensure horses have constant access to fresh water, especially during weather changes
Walk a horse showing mild colic signs while awaiting veterinary arrival to prevent dangerous rolling