Becca Lash (Staff Writer)

Colic is a simple term describing abdominal pain in horses that is the leading cause of premature death in domestic horses. Colic can be caused by many different things, such as food impaction, parasites, abdominal gas, and torsion. Torsion is a term given when the horse’s intestines twist upon themselves, getting tangled together.  It is very important for people who own or work around horses, to be able to recognize the symptoms of colic, and determine what actions need to be taken to ensure a good prognosis. Signs of colic include abnormal pawing, excessive stretching, pacing, frequent attempts to urinate, biting at stomach area, rolling, loss of appetite, ect. There are a few ways to treat colic depending on type. For instance, if a horse is experiencing colic due to abdominal gas, a simple muscle relaxer, such as Banamine, could be enough to relieve the pain. In cases of torsion, surgical procedures will more than likely need to be given to ensure a full recovery. If you observe a horse having these symptoms, it is important to consult a veterinarian, to ensure the best care for your equine companion.