Companion Animals

Horse Welfare and Colic Management

Colic is the leading cause of death in domestic horses, causing severe abdominal pain that can progress rapidly to fatal conditions requiring emergency surgery. Management and dietary practices significantly influence colic risk.

Key Facts

Colic affects approximately 10% of horses per year and is the leading cause of equine death
Most colic resolves with veterinary treatment, but surgical colic has a guarded prognosis
Dietary changes, dehydration, and dental problems are major risk factors for impaction colic
Spasmodic colic caused by gut motility changes is the most common form
Sand accumulation from grazing sandy ground can cause chronic impaction colic

Welfare Considerations

Colic pain is acute and severe, with horses rolling, pawing, looking at their flanks, and unable to settle. Progression to surgical cases causes escalating suffering with haemorhagic shock, gut necrosis, and peritonitis if untreated. The prognosis for horses that require surgical colic intervention is significantly worse than early recognition and treatment, making owner education and rapid veterinary response critical welfare determinants.

What You Can Do

Know the signs of colic and contact your vet immediately if concerned
Ensure horses have constant access to clean fresh water especially in hot weather
Make any dietary changes very gradually over 10-14 days
Keep up to date with dental care to ensure proper digestion
Have an emergency colic plan with your vet including transport arrangements