Colic is the most common cause of death in horses other than old age, causing extreme pain and requiring prompt recognition and treatment to minimize suffering and save lives.
Colic causes some of the most severe pain experienced by horses. Intestinal obstruction and gas accumulation create visceral pain that horses cannot escape from - unlike a limb injury, abdominal pain cannot be rested. Horses with severe colic roll violently, injuring themselves attempting to relieve pain. The unrelenting nature of severe colic pain is distressing to witness and represents extreme welfare compromise. Prompt veterinary assessment and pain management is essential - leaving a colicking horse untreated is not appropriate even for mild cases, as progression can be rapid and unpredictable. Early pain management and diagnosis saves both welfare and lives.