Emergency

Colic

Colic is abdominal pain in the horse — a symptom, not a disease. It can range from mild gas discomfort to a life-threatening twisted gut. Early detection and rapid veterinary care save lives.

Symptoms to watch for

Pawing at the ground or kicking at the belly

Repeatedly looking at or biting the flank

Lying down and getting up restlessly, rolling violently

Sweating without exertion

Loss of appetite, refusing water

Reduced or absent gut sounds

Few or no manure passes in 12 hours

Elevated heart rate (over 50 bpm at rest)

Common causes

Sudden changes in feed or pasture
Dehydration or insufficient water intake
Sand ingestion from feeding on bare ground
Heavy parasite burden
Stress, transport, or routine changes
Dental issues causing poor chewing
Mouldy or spoiled feed

Prevention

Provide constant access to clean fresh water
Make all feed changes gradually over 7–10 days
Maintain a regular deworming program based on faecal counts
Schedule annual dental exams
Feed off the ground in sandy areas, or use a sand-clearing supplement monthly
Maximise turnout and forage; minimise grain meals
Keep a consistent daily routine

What to do

1
Call your veterinarian immediately — describe symptoms, vital signs, and last manure pass.
2
Remove all hay and grain until the vet examines the horse.
3
Walk the horse quietly if it is trying to roll violently — never exhaust it.
4
Do NOT administer pain medication without veterinary direction; it masks symptoms.
5
Note vital signs every 15 minutes: heart rate, respiration, gum colour, and capillary refill.
6
Prepare a clean, well-bedded stall and clear path for the vet.

⚠ Emergency · call your vet now

Do not wait.

Always — colic is an emergency. Call at the first sign of suspected colic, regardless of severity. Many forms of colic resolve with medical management, but a small percentage require surgery, and outcomes depend on speed of intervention.

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Educational content only. Not a substitute for veterinary advice.