Colic is the leading cause of death in horses and causes significant suffering, but many cases are preventable and all require urgent response.
Equine colic represents one of the most significant welfare emergencies in horse care. The pain can range from mild discomfort to excruciating, life-threatening agony depending on the cause. Horses with gas colic may show intermittent discomfort and resolve spontaneously, while those with intestinal volvulus experience agonizing pain requiring emergency surgery. The welfare imperative is clear: any horse showing signs of abdominal pain requires immediate veterinary evaluation because the consequences of delayed treatment for surgical cases - intestinal necrosis, irreversible shock, death - are severe. Prevention through appropriate feeding management - consistent diet, forage-based nutrition, adequate water access, and gradual dietary changes - reduces colic incidence significantly. Recognizing the difference between mild colic requiring monitoring and severe colic requiring emergency response is a critical skill for all horse owners.