Colic - abdominal pain from gastrointestinal disorders - is the leading cause of emergency veterinary treatment in horses and one of the most common causes of euthanasia.
Colic causes acute and often severe pain that, in many cases, cannot be effectively managed without urgent veterinary intervention. The suffering experienced by a horse in significant colic - visible rolling, pawing, sweating, flank-watching - is profound. Prevention through management - maximising forage access, ensuring water availability, avoiding rapid diet changes, and maintaining routine - reduces incidence but cannot eliminate risk. Equine owners need to understand the signs of colic and have a clear protocol for contacting their vet without delay; hesitation in seeking help is a leading cause of avoidable deterioration.