Equine Colic - Signs, Symptoms, Treatment

eye is often an indication of pain. An awake but unresponsive horse may be experiencing pain usually the ears are back or loose and drooping to the sides the lip may be curled and the eyes may be closed. The body may be tense and the horse may show irritation or an anxious expression. Some horses grind their teeth. Pain can also cause profuse sweating and restlessness. Pulse and respiration are generally elevated.
Behavioural Signs
Pawing sometimes with the horse holding his front leg up before pawing
Restlessness getting up and lying down
Lying down for prolonged periods of time
Rolling will vary depending on pain level in a normal roll a horse will shake a colicky horse will not shake after a roll
Looking at flank
Kicking at belly
Curling of lip
Stretching as if wanting to urinate
Crouching as if wanting to lie down
Holding head in an unusual position neck extended head rotated
May be off feed
Physical
Elevated heart rate normal pulse range is 2844 beats per minute the higher the heart rate the more serious the colic is likely to be.
Temperature may be in the normal range of 37 539 5 degrees Celsius but it can also be less than normal if the horse is in shock.
Respiration is often shallow and rapid with flared nostrils normal is 1024 breaths per minute you may observe a distended abdomen big belly.
Mucus membranes may be dry pale normal is moist pink and refill may be slower than 1 5 seconds.
There can be dehydration and the skin fold may take longer than two seconds to return to the flat position.
Gut sounds may be decreased or increased and there may be pinging or a sound like water dripping in a cave when you listen with the stethoscope.
Eyes may be glassy or anxious ears may be drooping out to the sides and the horse may not be responsive.
Other
Manure may change in consistency colour and odour and may be reduced.
When Colic is Suspected
If the horse is outside bring him into the barn or a shelter.
Call the veterinarian or an equine industry professional.
Remove all feed but offer water.
Keep the horse warm and relaxed.
Hand walk the horse to keep it from rolling and injuring itself.
Record the temperature pulse and respiration and other health parameters if you can do so safely and report these to the veterinarian.
Colic at Specific Sites in the Equine Digestive Tract
Certain regions of the horses digestive tract are more susceptible to colic and different types