Colic is the leading cause of death in horses and one of their most common welfare emergencies, requiring both excellent management to prevent and rapid response to treat.
Horses experiencing colic suffer acute severe abdominal pain that causes rolling, pawing, sweating, and inability to settle. The pain can be intense enough to cause horses to throw themselves to the ground, risking self-injury. The inability to vomit means gastrointestinal conditions that would resolve quickly in other animals can become rapidly fatal in horses. Quick recognition and prompt veterinary response are essential to preventing prolonged suffering and death.