Few words worry horse owners more than “colic.” It simply means abdominal pain, and it can range from mild gas that passes in an hour to a twisted intestine that needs emergency surgery. Because you can’t tell which is which by looking, every case deserves attention. Here’s what to know about colic in horses and what to do before the vet arrives.
Quick Answer: Colic is abdominal pain in horses. Signs include pawing, looking at the flank, rolling, sweating, lying down more than usual and not eating or passing manure. Call your vet as soon as you suspect colic. While you wait, remove food, check vital signs, and keep your horse safe. Don’t give medication unless your vet tells you to.
What Is Colic?
Colic isn’t a single disease. It’s a sign of pain in the abdomen, most often from the digestive tract. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that colic is one of the most common emergencies in horses.
Common types include:
| Type | What happens |
|---|---|
| Gas (spasmodic) colic | Gas buildup and gut spasms; often mild |
| Impaction colic | Dry feed material blocks the intestine |
| Displacement or twist | Intestine moves or twists; often needs surgery |
| Sand colic | Sand builds up in the gut from eating off sandy ground |
| Enteritis or colitis | Inflammation of the intestine |
| Ulcers | Stomach or colon ulcers causing pain |
Signs of Colic
Mild signs
- Pawing at the ground
- Looking or nipping at the flank
- Lying down more than usual
- Less interest in food
- Fewer or no manure piles
Moderate to severe signs
- Rolling or trying to roll
- Sweating
- Stretching out as if to urinate
- Rapid breathing
- High heart rate
- Repeated getting up and down
- Bloated belly
- Depression or not responding normally
Check Vital Signs While You Wait
Knowing your horse’s normal values helps your vet decide how urgent the case is.
| Vital sign | Normal adult horse |
|---|---|
| Heart rate | 28–44 beats per minute |
| Breathing rate | 10–24 breaths per minute |
| Temperature | 99–101°F (37.2–38.3°C) |
| Gum color | Pink and moist |
| Capillary refill time | Under 2 seconds |
| Gut sounds | Gurgles on both sides of the belly |
A heart rate over about 60 beats per minute with colic signs often suggests a more serious problem.
What to Do Before the Vet Arrives
- Call your vet right away. Describe the signs and vital signs.
- Remove all feed, including hay. Leave water unless your vet says otherwise.
- Move your horse to a safe area like a small paddock or large stall with good footing.
- Walk your horse gently if it’s trying to roll violently and it’s safe for you. Don’t exhaust a horse that wants to stand quietly.
- Note manure output and how it looks.
- Stay safe. Horses in pain can thrash suddenly.
Don’t give pain medication like flunixin (Banamine) unless your vet tells you to. It can mask signs and make it harder to judge whether surgery is needed.
How Vets Treat Colic
Your vet will examine your horse and may:
- Pass a tube into the stomach to check for fluid buildup and give fluids or laxatives
- Do a rectal exam
- Use ultrasound or bloodwork
- Give pain relief and fluids
Most colic cases respond to medical treatment. Some need referral to a hospital for surgery.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Sudden changes in feed or hay
- High-grain, low-forage diets
- Not drinking enough water, especially in cold weather
- Less turnout or sudden stall rest
- Eating sand
- Parasites
- Dental problems that reduce chewing. See equine dental care.
- History of colic
How to Reduce Colic Risk
- Feed mostly forage. See how much hay a horse needs.
- Make feed changes gradually over 7 to 14 days.
- Provide clean water at all times, and keep it from freezing.
- Maximize turnout and regular exercise.
- Use a strategic deworming plan. See deworming horses.
- Schedule regular dental checks.
- Feed off the ground in sandy areas.
When to Call Your Vet
Call your vet immediately for any signs of colic, especially if your horse:
- Is rolling, sweating or in obvious pain
- Has a heart rate above about 60
- Hasn’t passed manure in 12 hours or more
- Has a bloated belly
- Isn’t responding to an initial dose of medication your vet prescribed
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I always walk a horse with colic?
Gentle walking can help some horses and prevent violent rolling. But forced walking can exhaust a horse. Follow your vet’s advice.
Can colic go away on its own?
Mild gas colic sometimes resolves, but you can’t safely tell mild from serious colic without a vet. Always call.
Is colic more common in winter?
Impaction colic is more common in cold weather when horses drink less. Heated water buckets help.
How much does colic surgery cost?
Colic surgery and aftercare often cost several thousand dollars or more. Many owners decide in advance whether surgery is an option and consider insurance.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you’re worried about your pet’s health, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.
