Few words can strike terror into the heart of an equestrian the way the word colic can. While stomachaches are certainly no fun for anyone, they are particularly concerning for horses. Colic is far more serious than the typical ‘tummy ache’. It is not only very painful, but it can also be fatal. Horses cannot vomit, so any type of gastrointestinal issue can become very serious very quickly. Read on for some information on colic from a local Hobe Sound, FL equine vet.
What Is Colic?
Colic, as you may know, is actually a bit of an umbrella term, but is generally used to describe gastrointestinal pain. Any horse can develop colic at any time, regardless of their age, breed, sex, activity (or lack thereof), and health. Colic affects between 4 and 10 percent of horses. It’s worth noting that some breeds—particularly Thoroughbreds—are at higher risk than others.
Colic is a very common issue in horses, and can result in very serious complications if left untreated.
Understanding the fundamentals of horse colic prevention is crucial for every equine caretaker, since taking preventative measures can significantly decrease the risk of this painful–and possibly deadly–gastrointestinal issue. Consistent feeding routines, high-quality forage, and adequate hydration go a long way in maintaining a healthy digestive system. In addition, providing regular exercise and managing your horse’s stress levels will further reduce the likelihood of colic episodes.
Monitoring your horse’s behavior and physical condition can help you notice early indicators of potential problems. This then allows you to take prompt action when the first signs of abdominal discomfort arise.
It’s also important to establish a supportive environment. Horses need clean, well-ventilated barns and safe turnout areas.
By proactively implementing these measures and staying informed about best practices, you can help ensure your horse’s digestive system remains stable and reduce the chance of colic complications.
What Are The Different Types Of Colic?
There are several different kinds of colic. There are also many cases in which the type or source of colic is never identified.
That said, here are the main ones:
Gas Colic: Gas colic is the result of a buildup of gases inside the horse’s gastrointestinal system. This can be caused by diet. In some cases, too much sugar may be the culprit. In others, it could be brought on by rapid changes in feed.
Spasmodic Colic: This type of colic happens when the horse’s bowel contracts, causing painful spasms. It is often sparked by changes in diet.
Impaction Colic: Impaction colic happens when there is some sort of blockage in the horse’s digestive system. There are many possible causes for this, including dehydration and dental issues.
Displacement Colic: Displacement colic occurs when part of the digestive system moves out of place. This often happens as a result of a blockage or a gas buildup.
Sand Colic: Sand colic happens when horses ingest sand by grazing on sandy terrain.
Strangulation Colic:Strangulation colic is one of the most dangerous types. It occurs when the horse’s intestines get twisted.
The severity of colic cases can vary drastically. Some horses recover within a day, even without veterinary attention. In other cases, colic can prove fatal. Some cases can be managed with immediate treatment, while others will require more serious interventions, up to and including surgery.
What Causes A Horse To Have Colic?
As mentioned above, there are several potential causes for colic, making horse colic prevention a challenging but necessary aspect of equine care. Many times, it may not immediately be clear what caused the issue.
Here are a few of the possible causes:
- Improper Diet (Often Feeds That Are High In Starch Or Sugar)
- Rapid Dietary Changes
- Dehydration
- Moldy Hay
- Dirty Water
- Gas Buildup
- Cribbing
- Stress
- Overworking
- Feed Impaction
- Grain Overload
- Sand Ingestion
- Parasite Infection
- Dental Issues
- Improper Activity Schedule
- Infection
- Ulcer
- Low Forage
With horses, we always urge taking every precaution and step to ensure that your horse stays in tip-top shape. Keep up with Silver’s veterinary appointments, and don’t hesitate to ask for specific advice from your Hobe Sound, FL equine vet.
What Are The Warning Signs Of Colic In Horses?
There is no way to completely prevent colic, no matter how diligent you are about taking great care of your horse, so learning how to spot signs of colic is crucial.
Here are a few of the common warning signs:
- Restlessness
- Pacing
- Pawing At The Ground Or Air
- Kicking Or Biting At The Abdomen
- Rolling
- Grinding Teeth
- Loss Of Appetite
- Stretching Out (As If To Urinate)
- Passing Small Or Infrequent Droppings
- Abdominal Distension
- Increased Heart Rate
- Lethargy
- Laying Down For Extended Periods
- Getting Up And Down Repeatedly
- Small Or Dry Fecal Balls
- Diarrhea
- Lack Of Manure Production
- Change In Drinking Behavior
- Heavy Or Fast Breathing
- Sweating
- Tacky Or Dry Gums
- Fever
- Changes In Manure Consistency
- Crankiness
- Undigested Grain In Feces
Contact your Hobe Sound, FL emergency equine vet right away if you notice any of these red flags.
How Do You Prevent Colic?
There are things you can do to reduce the chances of your hooved buddy developing colic. Let’s go over some of the key ones:
Fresh Water
Fresh, clean water is a basic necessity for all of our animal companions, horses included. Making sure to keep those buckets clean is also very important.
Keep in mind that many horses don’t care for cold water, so you may need heated buckets in winter. If you worry that your horse isn’t drinking enough, you can add electrolytes, organic apple juice, and/or salt.
Adequate Salt Intake
Speaking of salt, did you know that those salt licks can help prevent colic? In fact, sodium deficiency in horses is much more common than you may realize. As a general rule of thumb, horses need one to two ounces of salt daily. That salt lick may be more important than you think!
Nutrition
We can’t overstate the importance of a good diet. The exact proportions will vary from horse to horse, so this is something you want to talk to your equine vet about.
In addition to making sure your horse is getting plenty of fiber, you may also need to adjust your supplements. Prebiotics, probiotics enzymes can all make a significant difference in your horse’s overall health. It’s also important to make changes slowly. Ask your Hobe Sound, FL horse vet for specific advice.
Turnout
Horses are, by nature, always on the move. They really just aren’t built to stand around in a stall all day. If Silver isn’t getting enough turnout, he will be at increased risk of colic. Plus, being cooped up can increase the chances of cribbing, which is also a colic risk.
Keep in mind that foraging and grazing aren’t just about diet with horses: these are very natural behaviors that our equine pals need both physically and mentally.
Proper Feeding Stations
Sand colic should be an immediate concern for anyone living in spots with sandy soil. Substrates can also cause this issue, so it doesn’t have to be sand. Providing feed in a net or elevated feeder can help reduce the ingestion of sand. You can also put mats down below feeders. Soaking hay with water before feeding can also help.
Minimize Stress
As anyone who has been around horses can vouch, our equine companions are both emotional and a bit flighty, and can easily get very stressed. Keeping your horse calm and happy will also help keep him healthy. Pay extra attention during times or situations that can cause stress. Major changes, friction with herd mates, travel, overworking, pain … these things can all upset Silver, which will in turn upset his stomach.
Dental Issues
Having your horses’ teeth checked regularly and floated is also very important here. If Silver can’t chew properly, he will swallow undigested grain, which is not good for him.
Parasite Control
Don’t forget those dewormers! Horses are at risk of developing several parasites, many of which can directly cause colic.
Proper Veterinary Care
Never underestimate the value of good wellness and horse colic prevention through proactive care. That includes not just regular exams from your Hobe Sound, FL horse vet, but also appointments with your farrier. When it comes to horse care, an ounce of prevention may be worth several pounds of cure!
PetMD has an article on colic in horses, which you can find here. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons also has an article on equine colic. Click here to read it.
Horse Colic Prevention in 2025: Identifying Higher Risk Factors
How do we identify horses with higher individual risk factors?
Thoroughbreds often face greater likelihood of colic due to genetic predispositions. Identifying higher risk starts with monitoring dietary changes, and offering optimized feed. Be careful of diets that rely heavily on sugars or starches. Watch for horses that crib, appear stressed, or have ongoing dental problems, as these issues raise the chance of digestive complications.
You’ll also want to regularly check hydration levels, and observe any frequent shifts in manure consistency or volume. Pay attention to horses kept in stalls for extended periods, since reduced turnout increases stress and disrupts natural grazing patterns. Close attention to feeding habits, environment, and behavior helps pinpoint those at heightened risk.
Why are horses anatomically predisposed to colic?
Horses have a specialized digestive tract that is relatively small and intricately arranged, with multiple flexures, tight turns, and narrow passages. Because they cannot vomit, any trapped gas or food can quickly cause serious issues.
This structural arrangement also predisposes them to blockages or displacement. Combined with the horse’s flighty nature, which can create additional stress on the gut, these anatomical factors place horses at higher risk for colic. Additional complexities in intestinal length and capacity further heighten the chance of impaction or torsion, and the cecum’s design can trap feed or gas, complicating digestion further.
Should a colicking horse be walked, kept still, or allowed to roll?
Walking a colicking horse briefly can often help improve gut motility and relieve mild gas pain, but do not push too hard or coax your horse into hard or excessive exercise. If the horse is calm, allowing it to rest quietly may be sufficient. Rolling in a controlled, gentle manner may sometimes help shift gas pockets, though violent rolling raises the risk of twisted intestines and further injury. If the horse is indoors, there’s also a risk of them getting cast. Your best bet is to keep your horse up and moving, unless your vet advises otherwise.
If a horse is frantic or shows severe distress, restricting dangerous thrashing is advisable while awaiting veterinary care. Continued observation, careful handling, and prompt professional evaluation are the best ways to address this condition.
What happens during colic surgery and when is it necessary?
During colic surgery, a veterinarian administers general anesthesia, opens the horse’s abdomen, inspects the intestines for blockages, displacements, or twists, and addresses the underlying issue, which may possibly mean removing damaged tissue. This procedure is typically reserved for severe or advanced cases that fail to improve with medical treatment. If the intestine is strangulated, twisted, or impacted in a way that compromises blood supply or causes irreversible damage, surgery becomes the only way to save the horse. Recovery includes close monitoring, careful pain management, and a gradual return to normal feeding and activity.
How do herd dynamics influence digestive health?
Horses naturally thrive in stable social groups, where consistent companionship and predictable hierarchies help maintain calm behavior and reduce stress. When that social structure is disrupted, conflict and tension can arise, triggering stress responses that negatively affect gut motility and overall digestion.
Adequate turnout with compatible horses allows free movement and grazing, mimicking the constant forage habits horses evolved with. A positive social environment also discourages nervous behaviors, such as cribbing, that may lead to colic. Balanced herd dynamics, proper feeding, and routine care all support a healthier gastrointestinal system. Minimizing tension and maximizing natural behaviors within the herd can significantly promote digestive health.
Make An Appointment At Our Hobe Sound, FL Equestrian Veterinary Clinic
Are you looking for a great equestrian veterinarian in Hobe Sound, FL? Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Click here to visit our Service page and find out more about our clinic and the animals we treat. You can also go here to learn more about our Nutrition and Weight Management services.
This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis, treatment, and care recommendations tailored to your pet’s needs.
