As many horse owners know, colic is incredibly serious and an unpleasant experience for both the horse and owner to go through. From how and when you feed horse food to the amount of grazing they have available, there are a number of factors that can contribute to colic. No one wants their horse to get colic which is why we have created this guide to help keep your horse healthy this winter.
What Is Colic?
Colic is an umbrella term for discomfort in the digestive tract and there are many different causes, not all are diet related. During the colder months some types of colic are more common and usually relate to a change of diet i.e. moving from fresh pasture to conserved forage or a reduction in water intake.
Common Terms Relating To Colic
Gas Colic – describes an extreme build of gas in the intestines which can be caused by the horse consuming too little fibre to push gas out of the gut.
Impaction Colic – Occurs when feed gets stuck and builds up in the gut.
Twisted Gut – This is a very old-fashioned term and really refers to torsion of the gut which accounts for more than 15% of colic surgeries so is a very serious issue.
Spasmodic Colic – This is where the gut tissue is causing the horse pain because it is cramping or moving abnormally. It is often linked to gas colic where the build-up of gas has caused the gut to distend and move abnormally. Gastric ulcers can also cause pain that results in similar symptoms.
Sand Colic – Horses grazing on sandy soils or if fed in a sand school can accidentally consume sand particles which build up and eventually cause a blockage
Typical Symptoms Of Colic
So, what are the typical symptoms of colic to look out for? The quicker you spot a symptom and contact the vet, the better chance your horse has. Symptoms can include the following:
- Looking at their flank
- Kicking or biting at the flank
- Tail swishing
- Not wanting to eat
- Sweating
- Increased breathing rate
- Rolling
- Getting up and lying down repeatedly
- Lying on their back
- Pawing the ground
- Extreme agitation and dullness
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s imperative that you call the vet immediately.
What Causes Colic?
Nutrition related issues are often a cause of colic:
- Cereal based concentrates
- Sudden dietary change
- Feeding cereals too soon before exercise
- Restricted fibre intakes
Horses at grass have the benefit of plenty of fibre in their diet but also tend to be less stressed, particularly if they are turned out with other horses or animals. The movement of a horse in the field encourages the peristalsis action in the gut; this keeps everything moving correctly through the digestive system and reduces the chance of a blockage. The horse’s small intestine doesn’t have a large capacity to digest starch from concentrates. Starch that escapes digestion in the small intestine will end up in the hind gut where fermentation takes place. As starch is broken down rapidly compared to fibre it creates an acidic environment in the gut, allowing substances that shouldn’t pass through the gut wall to do so. This more acidic environment isn’t very favourable for fibre-fermenting bacteria, which means that fibre digestion (which is very important for horses) is compromised. Combined, these factors can contribute to an increased risk of a horse getting colic.
Top Tips For Winter?
During the winter it’s essential that you keep your horse hydrated, especially as they tend not to drink as much water during the colder months. Dampening hard feed and feeding soaked products like sugar beet are ways you can help to increase your horses water intake in winter. Making sure your horse always has access to fresh, clean water is also important. During the winter, taps and automatic water feeders can freeze, so make sure that your horse is able to access the eight to ten gallons of water they require a day. If you are feeding your horse concentrates, there are still ways you can use them to try to promote and maintain a healthy digestive system. Firstly, limit the size of the meals to no more than 1.5kg and divide the meals into 3-4 feeds a day to ensure you don’t overload your horse’s capacity to digest starch. Limit the amount of starch in their diet to less than 1g per kg of bodyweight per meal. It’s best to use concentrate feeds containing cereal grains that have been cooked either by extruding or micronising; this enhances the digestibility of the starch in the small intestine. If you are going to bring your horse in during the winter months and they are used to living out in the summer, start to bring your horse in for short periods of time with access to a small amount of forage. Increase the time they are in their stable until they have adapted to being in overnight. Also try to stick to feeding at the same time every day and keep your horse in a routine.
As you can see, there are several things you can do to keep your horse healthy this winter. If you have any further questions, contact your vet or a nutritionist who will be able to advise you on any queries you have about colic.
