Colic — abdominal pain in horses — is the leading cause of premature death in horses and causes acute suffering. Understanding prevention, recognition, and emergency response saves equine lives.
Colic causes acute and severe pain. Horses in pain paw, look at their flanks, roll violently, or become completely still and obtunded. Delayed veterinary assessment significantly worsens outcomes for surgical cases where bowel compromise occurs within hours. The welfare impact extends beyond physical pain: post-colic horses may develop behavioral changes including reluctance to eat and anxiety. Prevention addresses the most common risk factors: consistent high-forage diets, access to fresh water, regular dental care, consistent exercise, and gradual dietary transitions. Owners and caregivers must be able to recognize early signs and have a veterinary emergency plan in place. Pain management with NSAIDs is appropriate for mild colic but should never delay veterinary assessment for potentially surgical cases.