Is It Horse Colic? Here’s How to Identify & Treat It Effectively

Horse colic is a term used to describe abdominal pain in horses, which can arise from various gastrointestinal issues. Since colic can encompass a wide range of conditions, its causes, symptoms and treatments can vary between horses. Understanding how to spot the different symptoms of colic can help owners and veterinarians provide proper treatment—alleviating a horse’s discomfort and potentially preventing symptoms from worsening.

What is Horse Colic?

Horse colic can cause mild to severe abdominal pain in horses—affecting any part of the digestive tract, such as a horse’s stomach, intestines or other abdominal organs. The pain associated with colic is often due to the digestive system’s inability to process food properly, which is often caused by distention, inflammation or even twisting of the intestines. Mild cases of colic may resolve with basic care, but severe cases can be life threatening if not treated.

What Causes Horse Colic?

Understanding the causes of horse colic can guide treatment plans, and in some cases, it may help prevent future occurrences. These factors can contribute to colic:

• Buildup or Blockages: Undigested food, debris or a build-up of gas can cause a blockage in the intestines, leading to abdominal pain and other horse colic symptoms.
• Twisted Intestines: A twisting or displacement of the intestines can cause extreme pain and prevent the proper flow of food, fluid and gas.
• Bacterial Infection: Certain infections can inflame a horse’s GI tract and sometimes cause excess gas production during the digestion process.
• Changes in Diet: Sudden changes in a horse’s diet—such as switching from hay to grain or vice versa—can lead to GI issues. 
• Dehydration: Insufficient water intake can cause the intestines to become dry and less effective, leading to horse colic or making it worse.
• Poor-quality Feed: Low-quality or moldy feed can irritate the digestive tract and contribute to horse colic.
• Parasites: Parasitic infections can damage the intestinal lining and lead to colic by disrupting normal digestion.
• Stress: Horses under stress—due to transport, weather changes, routine changes or other factors—may be at an increased risk of developing colic.

Additionally, horses with a history of dental problems, high stress levels or frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are at a higher risk of developing colic. Age can also play a factor in which conditions are causing colic. Foals, yearlings and young horses are more likely to develop certain GI conditions as opposed to middle-aged or older horses.

How to Identify Horse Colic Symptoms

The majority of horse colic symptoms are behavioral, so paying close attention to their action—or inaction—could help identify a problem. Common symptoms include:

• Lying down or rolling on sides
• Upper lip curling and neck arching
• Using front foot to paw at the ground repeatedly
• Poor appetite
• Looking, biting or kicking at the flank
• Kicking at the abdomen
• Raising rear legs
• Lethargy or depression
• Distended abdomen
• Straining to have bowel movements
• Less bowel movements

In more severe cases, you might notice other horse colic symptoms, such as an increased heart rate, sweating, heavy or fast breathing and tacky or dry gums.

How Veterinarians Properly Diagnose Horse Colic

If owners notice any horse colic symptoms—especially signs of a severe condition—it’s important for them to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. Veterinarians should ask about the symptoms and can perform several diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause of the colic. 

These tests can include:

• Nasogastric Tube: A tube is passed through the horse’s nose into the stomach to relieve fluids that could lead to a ruptured stomach, or it can be used to administer fluid therapy from dehydration.
• Rectal Palpation: The veterinarian can check for blockages, impaction, displacement of intestines and other signs of horse colic.
• Abdominocentesis: A needle is inserted into the abdominal cavity to remove fluid, which can be analyzed for infection or inflammation.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound may be used to get a detailed view of the abdominal organs and detect any twisting, displacement, tumors or other issues.
• Bloodwork: Blood tests can help assess the horse’s overall health and detect signs of inflammation, infection, dehydration or organ failure in severe cases.

Horse Colic Treatments to Consider

Once a veterinarian determines the cause of the colic, they will develop a treatment plan tailored to the horse’s specific needs. Horse colic treatments can also vary depending on the severity of the condition.

One common treatment option is Banamine or flunixin meglumine, an NSAID (which is available from Mixlab) that is used to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with horse colic. While it can provide relief, it does not address the root cause of the colic. Banamine is typically used to manage mild to moderate colic symptoms, and it should be administered under veterinary guidance.

In severe cases where other treatments do not provide relief or when there is a blockage, displacement, twisted intestine or tumor, surgery may be required. Performing surgery as soon as possible improves the prognosis for horses and can prevent further complications. While it is not always required, surgery is an option for cases where the horse’s life could be at risk. A veterinarian may recommend other medications before determining surgery is necessary, or they may prescribe additional medications before, during and after surgery.

How Owners Can Support Horses with Colic

Aside from horse colic treatments, there are other supportive measures owners can take. They can consider these steps to comfort their horse and aid in the recovery process:

• Gentle Walks: If tolerated well by the horse, light walking can help stimulate the digestive system and relieve gas buildup.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Owners should keep a close eye on their horse’s behavior, appetite and overall condition in case symptoms change or worsen.
• Soothing Rubs: Massaging or gently rubbing the abdomen can provide comfort and help with muscle relaxation.
• Hydration Checks: Owners should make sure the horse has access to fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration, which can exacerbate colic.
• Dental Care: Regular dental checks help prevent issues like impaction colic—which can arise from poorly chewed food—or dental problems that can be a risk factor for colic.
• Parasite Preventatives: Regular deworming can help prevent horse colic caused by parasitic infestations.
• Pasture Turnout: Allowing a horse to graze regularly in a stress-free environment can help prevent colic.

Your Trusted Pharmacy for Horse Colic Treatments

Mixlab’s full-service equine pharmacy is here to support horse owners and veterinarians. We provide a wide range of medications and treatments for horse colic and other conditions. Whether you’re seeking medications for pain management, post-treatment care or another condition altogether, you can trust our high-quality medications and fast and free two-day delivery. Veterinarians can submit prescriptions and horse owners can request new prescriptions online, or you can contact the Mixlab team with any questions.