I think it’s Colic – What do I do next?

Colic is one of the most common emergencies that practising vets attend, and it is one of the few life-threatening health issues horses face. Its causes can range from mild digestive discomfort to severe conditions requiring emergency surgery. Recognising the signs early and knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in your horse’s outcome.

This article offers a practical guide to identifying colic symptoms, managing your horse safely, and preparing for a vet visit. Whether you’re a seasoned horse owner or new to equine care, understanding what to do when colic strikes is essential to protecting your horse’s health and well-being.

1. Recognising colic

The three most common signs of colic are pawing the ground, rolling, and getting up and lying down. Other signs sometimes seen are:

• 21% get up and down.
• 14% repeatedly look at their flank.
• 13% curl their upper lip.
• 10% back into a corner.
• 7% kick at their abdomen.
• 4% stand in a stretched position as if trying to pass urine, but geldings don’t protrude their penis and mares don’t lift their tails.
• 1% fail to pass droppings for longer than 24hr.

Sweating can occur if the horse is in significant pain. It may be slight (feel inside the elbows) or more obvious.

Most will stop eating and pass fewer droppings. The consistency of the dropping may change – smaller volume, slightly loose.

2. Phone your vet practice.

• Keep your phone free for the vet to return your call
• You will be given advice on the phone. The vet might not visit in the first instance
• Your vet needs to know your location in case he/she must visit
• Your vet might need to interrupt their clinic round to go to your horse, and he/she needs to plan how best to do that

3. Ensure the horse is in a safe place

• If at all possible, take him outside to an arena or field, and hold him on a lunge line so you can stand clear if he rolls. Keep hm away from the edges and stay with him.
• If he must stay in the stable, remove all obstacles (buckets etc.) and add a generous amount if bedding.
• He can be allowed to lie down and roll if he wishes (it will not make the colic worse) provided he can do so safely. It is not necessary to walk the horse unless he is in an unsafe place e.g. a car park at an event.
• Consider the possible next steps if the horse needs to be referred for further investigation or treatment –transport, insurance cover, childcare.

4. When the vet visits

• If he is very restless while being examined, walk the horse a little.
• If lying down, persuade the horse to stand so that he can be examined.
• Give the vet the key information – when was the horse last seen to be normal, the duration of the colic, any obvious triggers (recent worming or diet change, previous history of colic), the horse has passed droppings, is the pain intermittent or constant?

The vet will

• Observe the horse to determine the intensity of the pain.
• Take his heart and respiratory rate, and possibly his rectal temperature.
• Check for sweating and dehydration.
• Check the colour of the mucous membranes of his mouth and eyes.
• Lisen to his abdomen with a stethoscope to check if there are bowel movements.
• Possibly perform a rectal examination and/or pass a stomach tune.
• Decide on a treatment plan.

Conclusion

Colic is a serious condition that requires quick and informed action. By learning to recognise the signs, managing your horse’s environment safely, and working closely with your vet, you can make a significant difference in your horse’s outcome.

Always trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, it’s better to act quickly. Stay calm, follow the steps outlined in this guide, and ensure your horse gets the care they need.

And the good news – most colic cases respond well to some straightforward treatments. Only about 1 in 20 has a condition that requires surgical intervention.