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Colic is one of the diseases most seen in the equine world, and it is never fun to stand with a colic horse. Impatiently you wait for the vet to come to the horse's rescue. And of course, you do everything you can to save your best friend until the vet arrives. Unfortunately, as a horse owner, you do not always act appropriately in a panic - and this can affect both you and your horse. We have taken a closer look at the situation surrounding a colic attack. What you can do and what should you absolutely not do.
As you probably already know, colic is, in short, a disorder in which the horse gets a really bad stomachache. One can rarely say exactly what colic comes from, but it is often due to one of these three, overriding factors: Not enough exercise, improper feeding and worms.
This was confirmed in a Danish veterinary study from 2019. Thus, many types of acute colic could have been avoided. If for example the horse had been in the box for fewer hours, had had free access to straw feed, was not exposed to sudden feed changes, and was examined more frequently for worms.
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Not all horses show the same symptoms. But when you call your vet, it is best to be "up to date" with the horse's medical history and behavior up to the colic attack. Has the horse had a tendency to colic in the past? What is the history of diarrhea or constipation? How is its appetite?
If you can answer these things, you are a great help when your vet needs to diagnose and find treatment. In addition, it is good to keep an eye on the horse's temperature and behavior. Does it behave as usual, is it lethargic or is it hyper?
If you see just a few of these symptoms, you should call the vet.
Source: Herfølge Animal Clinic.
Although it is not nice to think about, as a horse owner you have to imagine what you will do if the worst should happen. If the horse does not make it through the colic attack. If your horse is insured, you need to consult your veterinarian. You need information on what the insurance company should know in case the horse does not make it.
Your veterinarian may choose to hospitalize your horse. Of course, it is your decision whether this should happen. It is important to know that it can be very expensive.
Overall, we would advise you to do as the vet suggests, and in general try to let the vet do his job. Even though it is an emotional rollercoaster. Always remember that you have the same goal - to save your horse!
