Colic is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain in horses and a leading cause of death, with many cases preventable through evidence-based management of feeding, water access, and parasite control.
Colic causes severe abdominal pain that in moderate to severe cases is evident from rolling, pawing, and sweating in affected horses. Without prompt treatment, severe colic cases deteriorate rapidly, and surgical intervention is required in approximately 1% of cases. Even mild, self-resolving colic causes significant acute discomfort. Management practices that allow near-continuous fibre intake, maintain regular water access, and follow evidence-based parasite control substantially reduce colic incidence and protect horses from preventable suffering.