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horse advice, Health Topics

Colic is the number one cause of death in horses and is feared by all owners. The term refers to abdominal pain that can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from diet and exercise to parasites and disease. Horse colic is a common health problem in equines and can be very dangerous if not treated promptly. However, when treated early, most colic is treatable. It is also possible to act preventively to limit the risks. In this article, you will learn how to understand, treat and prevent colic in horses.

What causes colic?

First of all, it is important to be aware that colic is not an illness as such, but the presence of abdominal pain that is expressed by different symptoms. These pains are due to a slowing down or stopping of the digestive transit.

Colic can therefore have several origins, including for example:

  • Feeding: a sudden change in diet or excessive intake of food can cause colic. Excessive straw, moldy hay or poor quality feed are also risk factors.
  • Inappropriate exercise: excessive exercise, strenuous physical activity or lack of activity can cause abdominal pain.
  • Parasites: Intestinal parasites can cause colic by disrupting the normal functioning of the intestinal tract.
  • Certain diseases: Diseases such as colitis or peritonitis can cause abdominal pain.

The fragile anatomy of the horse makes it particularly susceptible to colic. Indeed, equids have a digestive tract that is not fixed in the abdominal wall. The digestive tract can therefore undergo movements and even twists, which is the most serious form of colic.

How to recognize colic in horses?

Because colic is abdominal pain, it is important to watch for any signs of pain and changes in behavior to detect it early.

The most common symptoms of colic that should immediately alert you are:

  • Restlessness: A restless horse that lies down and rolls over, pats itself on the belly with its forelegs or looks at its flanks is showing signs of pain.
  • Excessive sweating, even in cool weather.
  • An absence of stools, or abnormally loose stools.
  • Difficulty eating or drinking.
  • An abnormally long lying position.

There are 5 stages of pain in a horse with colic. In the first stage, the horse or mare has no pain or symptoms. The following stages are :

  • mild pain (lack of appetite, lying down)
  • moderate pain (agitation, or horse lying in a "sitting dog" position)
  • Severe pain (severe sweating, rolling and dropping violently)
  • the state of severe depression.

If you notice these signs in your horse, consult your veterinarian immediately for a thorough examination.

Solutions to prevent colic in horses

Although colic can't always be avoided, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.

Taking care of food

Feeding is one of the pillars of a horse's good health and an important factor in preventing colic.

On a daily basis, in addition to a healthy and balanced diet, you can supplement your horse with probiotics and prebiotics to support and nourish your animal's saprophytic intestinal flora. Our supplement Flore Provide is composed of prebiotics, probiotics, L-Glutamine, medicinal plants and an acidity regulator that ensures a good condition of the digestive system.

This way, your horse maintains and develops a good intestinal flora, which is essential to its good health.

In addition, to ensure a good assimilation of food, it is important to regularly carry out dental care of your horse. A check-up of the teeth allows the horse to chew well and therefore to digest more easily and with less risk.

An adapted lifestyle

Horses are sensitive to stress. Therefore, it is recommended to adapt their lifestyle to limit the sources of anxiety. Adapted work, regular outings, a calm and comfortable environment are all factors that can prevent colic.

Also remember to deworm your pet 3 to 4 times a year to eliminate parasites from its digestive system.

Finally, horses that live in a stall are more likely to suffer from colic. Outings to the pasture are a good way to limit the risks.

Anticipate risk situations

In case ofantibiotic therapy, diarrhea or malnutrition problems, colic can quickly occur. It is therefore advisable to anticipate problems by rapidly restoring the horse's innate saprophytic intestinal flora.

Indeed, each horse has its own intestinal flora obtained at birth. This type of treatment or problem leads to its destruction.

It is important to know that, without this saprophyte intestinal flora, prebiotics and probiotics will not be able to have any action. Thus, a gemmotherapy food supplement promotes the rapid restoration of the innate saprophytic intestinal flora of the horse or foal.

Our synergy of Reflore Flash buds is the ideal complement for fast results and a return of intestinal comfort for your pet.

How to treat colic in horses?

Of course, the treatment of colic in horses depends on the severity and cause of the abdominal pain. Only your veterinarian can diagnose and determine the appropriate treatment. Treatment may include medications to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, as well as treatments to correct the underlying causes of colic, such as dehydration or intestinal parasites. In some severe cases, surgery may be required to treat horse colic.

While waiting for your veterinarian, to relieve your horse, avoid feeding him and stay by his side to reassure him and watch him. You can also, if the animal accepts it, make him walk slowly to change his mind and avoid him to roll too much. This will limit the risk of twisting.

In conclusion, we remind you that horse colic can be a serious health problem that requires immediate attention. By understanding the causes, symptoms and treatments of colic, as well as following preventative measures, you can help ensure the health and well-being of your horse. If you suspect your horse is suffering from colic, contact your veterinarian immediately for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

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