Colic is the leading cause of death in horses and a common cause of acute severe pain, with dietary management, hydration, and exercise playing key roles in prevention.
Colic causes acute abdominal pain ranging from mild discomfort to severe agony requiring emergency surgery. A horse with severe colic showing repeated rolling is in extreme distress that demands urgent veterinary attention. Prevention through management reduces the frequency of these painful episodes. Owners who understand colic risk factors can make targeted management improvements that substantially reduce their horse's lifetime colic risk. Early recognition and appropriate veterinary response is critical to preventing mild colic from progressing to life-threatening conditions.