Colic is the most common cause of death in horses and causes severe pain during episodes. Understanding prevention and emergency response saves horse lives and reduces suffering.
Colic causes severe pain that can be among the most intense a horse experiences. A horse with a twisted intestine is in agony - equivalent to the most severe human abdominal emergencies. The inability to vomit means gas and material cannot be expelled, causing progressive distension and pain. Even 'mild' gas colic causes pain that prevents normal eating, resting, and movement. The welfare imperative is immediate veterinary assessment when colic signs appear - the difference between mild gas colic and surgical colic is not apparent without veterinary examination, and delays in treating surgical cases dramatically reduce survival and increase suffering. Prevention through management - consistent feeding routines, adequate forage, clean water access, and regular dental care - significantly reduces colic frequency.