Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Welfare: Colic Prevention and Early Recognition

Colic is the most common cause of death in horses and a major source of acute suffering, making prevention and early recognition critical welfare priorities.

Key Facts

Approximately 10% of horses will suffer a colic episode in any given year
Colic ranges from mild gas colic resolving spontaneously to life-threatening large colon displacement
Dietary management including ad-lib forage, clean water and slow diet changes reduces colic risk
Signs of colic include pawing, flank watching, box walking, lying and rolling
Surgery is required for some types of colic and carries mortality rates of 10-30%

Welfare Considerations

Colic causes intense acute suffering ranging from significant discomfort to agonising pain. Early recognition and prompt veterinary assessment are critical welfare responses - horses should not be managed at home for more than a short period before calling a vet. Prevention through appropriate forage-based diet, clean water, exercise and reduced stress addresses many of the most common colic triggers.

What You Can Do

Learn to recognise signs of colic and call a vet promptly - never delay more than 2-4 hours
Ensure horses always have access to ad-lib clean water and appropriate forage
Introduce dietary changes very gradually to allow gut adaptation
Know your horse's normal gut sounds and vital signs to recognise changes early