Colic is the leading cause of death in horses and a major source of acute pain and distress. Understanding prevention and emergency management improves welfare outcomes.
Colic is among the most acutely painful conditions affecting horses, and prompt pain recognition and intervention is critical for welfare and survival. Signs of colic include pawing, looking at the flank, rolling, sweating, and altered gut sounds. Horse owners must be able to recognise these signs and make rapid decisions about veterinary intervention. Management practices that reduce colic risk — providing continuous forage access, avoiding sudden diet changes, ensuring clean water access, maintaining regular dental care, and monitoring parasite burden — significantly reduce colic incidence. When surgical intervention is required, time from diagnosis to surgery is a critical determinant of both survival and welfare outcomes.