COLIC

SELENIUM SUPPLEMENTS

more coming shortly!

WHAT IS COLIC?

The first fact that horseowner's need to know is that COLIC is the NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF DEATH IN HORSES. The second is that Colic as a SYMPTOM, not a disease. Many of the conditions which cause Colic can become life threatening in a very short period of time which is why it is imperative that qualified veterinary care be sought at the first signs of Colic.

Colic, itself, is a pain in the digestive system. (A stomach ache.) The symptoms range from mild to severe. Understanding the well horse and being able to identify when the horse is "off" may well be the difference between a horse recovering or a dead horse.

Let's review the Digestive System of the Horse briefly.

The purpose of the Digestive System is to take in food, break it down, extract the nutrients needed by the body and excrete the rest. There is 100 feet of intestine which include the small intestine and the large intestine. Each intestine contain a few parts each with a specific job ranging from secreting digestive juices to forming manure. The stomach holds only 2 - 4 GALLONS and works the best when only 2/3rds full. The horse requires 8 - 15 gallons of water a day to keep the feed moving through its system. Knowing this and practicing good feeding principles work hand in hand to keeping the Digestive System of the horse in optimal working order.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF COLIC?

Learning the baseline vital signs of your horse and its normal behavior, disposition and routines is one of the most important functions of a horseowner. So is knowing the signs of colic which differ from horse to horse. The following is a list of the more common signs of colic:

Repeatedly turning head and reaching toward flank
Pawing
Biting or kicking up at stomach area
Stretching out as if to urinate without doing so
Rolling violently
Lack of appetite
Lack of manure
Lack of gut sounds (or no gut sounds at all)
Sitting in a dog position
Rapid breathing
Rapid pulse
Depression

If you notice these or any of these signs, call your veterinarian immediately. Also, remove any feed and water from your horse's reach. Have the following information ready for the vet:

Vital signs: pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, cap refill.
Color of the mucous membranes (gums and inner nostril)
Behavioral signs
Manure output: color, smell, consistency, amount
Gut sounds
Any management changes of the horses care or environment
Medical history including de-worming

While you are waiting for the vet you need to keep the horse as calm and quiet as possible. If the horse wants to lie down and rest QUIETLY ... allow him to do so. However, if the horse wants to lie down to roll ... try to keep him up on his feet walking calmly. DO NOT give any medications to the horse; this may mask the symptoms and will not allow the vet to make an accurate diagnosis. Keep yourself calm so as not to further frighten the horse. Follow your veterinarian's advice!

PREVENTION OF COLIC

Although there are times when colic cannot be prevented, good horse care & management principles play a vital part to helping to prevent colic. Understanding how the horse's body works, the feed and nutrition requirements for the the individual horse, preventative health care such as a regular de-worming schedule, providing adequate shelter, a healthy and safe social environment and CONSISTENT handling and routine care all work together in helping to prevent incidences of colic.
PROVIDE CLEAN, FRESH WATER AT ALL TIMES (except when the horse is excessively hot from hard work then offer small sips of lukewarm water until horse is completely cooled out.). Make changes in feed or exercise gradually over a period of days. Check your turn out areas regularly for toxic weeds and substances. Divide the day's total feed into several small feedings ... 3 - 6 times a day. Remember that GRASS and HAY is the primary food source to meet a healthy horse's needs. Try to provide one or the other around the clock.

Learning about and putting good horse care & management skills to work when caring for a horse can help to ensure a long, healthy life for your horse. Horses are unique and sensitive animals. They have special needs and requirements which are separate from other animals. Learn these differences and always be prepared to handle an emergency calmly and efficiently.