Companion Animals

Horse Colic Recognition and Emergency Response

Colic is the leading cause of death in horses and ranges from mild discomfort to life-threatening emergencies requiring rapid veterinary assessment.

Key Facts

Colic refers to abdominal pain with diverse causes including impaction, gas and displacement
Up to 10% of colic cases require surgical intervention, and delayed surgery worsens outcomes
Signs include pawing, rolling, flank watching, sweating and reluctance to eat
Heart rate above 48 bpm and absence of gut sounds indicate increased severity
Walking a mildly colicking horse provides comfort, but do not walk excessively before vet assessment

Welfare Considerations

Colic causes significant acute suffering and requires rapid veterinary assessment. Owner education in recognising severity signs enables timely intervention that saves lives.

What You Can Do

Learn the key signs of colic severity and have your vet's emergency number accessible
Monitor vital signs when colic is suspected and report them to your vet
Do not administer phenylbutazone or buscopan before veterinary assessment without guidance