COLIC
Causes
Colic or gut pain is the problem to which 'equine flesh is heir' but often it is not serious and recovery is quick. A great fear has built up around colic because it can become very serious indeed, very quickly, and surgical intervention needed, hence the advice to always call a vet if colic is suspected.
Worm damage in blocking blood supply to the guts is one major cause and the other is just down to the design of the horse's digestion system which requires a fermentation process to take place in the hind gut which builds up gas;
Over eating especially dry feed that should be given wet such as sugar beet. The ingestion of sand while eating short grass from a sandy paddock or field (often called Sand Colic) Eating grass cuttings and sudden changes to feed given and routine. Stress, constipation,fatty tissue in the gut and hard work too soon after feeding.
Signs Mild: Reluctance to clear up feed, passing fewer droppings, signs of pain such as looking round at the belly area and may be kicking at it. Severe: Lying down and rolling, sweating and fast shallow breathing. Evidence of severe pain with groaning rolling and sweatiing. Swelling of the abdomen
Treatment CALL A VET IF MILD SIGNS CONTINUE FOR MORE THAN A FEW (20) MINUTES
Calmness in both yourself and anyone else near a horse with colic is essential. Remove any unnecessary people. If it is lying down remove any objects near the horse on which is might injure itself if it thrashes about.
To prevent rolling, which can cause the much more severe twisted gut, try to keep the horse walking about and find a place such as a near by paddock where it can get down more safely if necessary.
Do not attempt to feed a horse with colic and unless you are very good at giving a drench it is best not to attempt it as it can go the wrong way and cause more damage very easily.
Prevention
The causes speak for themselves so a good, regular worming programme is essential, as is a good regular diet. The opportunity to get hold of feed materials for themselves must be rigorously guarded against. Where grass is on sandy soil precautions should be taken to clear the gut regularly of any sand build up. A horse prone to constipation and/or stress should have the underlying causes attended to and steps taken to reduce these problems.