Colic

We always have a stethoscope in our first aid kits. I use a fetal stethoscope although while checking for 'gut sounds' the inexpensive one is just fine. You can pick these up at any drug store for under $20.00.

During a colic we check for gut sounds as well as heart rate, respiration, capilliary refill time, dehydration and temperature. We usually check the temperature at the base of the ears rather than stressing the horse any more than necessary. Bowel sounds are increased in spasmodic and flatulent colic while they are decreased in impaction colic and absent in peritonitis (twisted gut).

We also carry at least 2 litres of mineral oil in our first aid kit at all times. Do not feed vegetable or other oils during a colic as they tend to constipate the horse rather than loosen the compaction. At the first sign of colic, we give the horse the whole 2 litres with a syringe orally, without the needle of course. This should be done carefully because oils have no taste, so they are difficult to swallow and could end up in the lungs rather than the stomach.

Several different types of colic are:
             * Enteritis/Colitis
                          (inflammation of the small (Enteritis) or large (Colitis) intestine)
             * Flatulent (Tympanic) or Gas Colic
                          (gas builds up in the intestine)
             * Impaction Colic
                            (intestines become blocked)
                                  * Large Colon Impaction
                                  * Sand Impaction (not normally seen in Central BC)
                                  * Worm Impaction
                                  * Rectal Impaction
             * Spasmodic Colic
                          (abnormal spasms causing intestines to contract painfully)
             * Paritonitis/Displacement/Volvulus/Torsion
                          (better known as twisted gut, causing complete blockages)
             * Gastric Distension/Rupture
                         (horse gorges itself on grain or more seriously, complete or pellet feeds)
             * Unknown reasons

Symptoms of Colic
             * Elevated heart rate due to stress and pain (greater than 52 beats per minute)
             * Rapid respiration and/or flared nostrils
             * Profuse sweating
             * Loss of appetite
             * Putting head down to water as if to drink but not drinking
             * Restlessness
             * Pawing
             * Looking at abdomen
             * Lying down more than usual
             * Rolling, especially violent rolling
             * Getting up and down repeatedly
             * Sitting in a dog-like position, or lying on the back
             * Curling the upper lip (Flehmen) and arching the neck
             * Stretching out as if to urinate and often standing in that position
             * Lack of bowel movement
             * Depression

Treatment for colic:
             * Mineral oil (2 litres)
             * Blanket the horse for the temperature
             * Let the horse lay down but do not let it roll
             * If you have hay or straw bales, use them to prevent horse from rolling over
             * Walk with the horse when the horse gets restless
             * Call and notify your veterinary

Always remember to place 2 or more hay or straw bales along the back of the horse when it is lying down. Never place them around a horses legs as they tend to panic. You are trying to prevent the horse from rolling over onto its back, not from getting back up. We do not want to stress the animal any further either. The bales are also a great place to sit while the horse is resting.

It is surprising what even the most experienced horse owner will do when their horse is the one in pain. I think that is why I like to work in teams, or will offer my help when a friends horse is in trouble. The bystander often thinks more rationally than the owner, which is normal human behavior.

The toughest part you will have to do is to stay calm, both inside and out. Our emotions have a "charge" which releases energy around our body. The horse will easily pick up on this energy, even when it is feeling poorly.