As horse lovers, we go to great lengths to care for our equine companions to ensure they live long, healthy lives. However, if you own a horse, you likely have experienced at least one form of colic. Colic is the number one cause of death in horses between 1 and 20 years old.
Colic refers to abdominal pain, which can arise from various issues within the gastrointestinal tract or other abdominal organs. It is too common. And more so, it is a potentially serious condition, as it can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening situations.
At Vitalize®, our team of equine enthusiasts wants the best for our horses and yours. We know that colic in horses comes in many forms, but we can do our best to help prevent it. That is why we created this educational resource for you and all horse lovers.
Who is Vitalize?
Vitalize is a line of horse supplements with proven solutions to keep your animal healthy and performing. We are a renowned brand of supplements designed to enhance equine health, provide a good gut feeling, and support bone, joint and soft tissue health. Vitalize products support all equine enthusiasts. From the ranch horse owner on the Western plains to the Olympic jumper, Vitalize offers products to meet the needs of every horse and horse owner.
BioZyme® Inc., a global fermentation company pioneering animal nutrition and health advancements, develops the Vitalize brand. BioZyme creates powerful solutions that improve animal performance through innovative research and high-quality manufacturing.
Our mission: undeniable positive impact on the health and wellness of your animals.
Before we can share about helping your horse, let’s get a better understanding of colic – the types of colic and its signs and symptoms.
Types of Colic
The different types of colic in horses have various causes. Let’s explore 5 primary types of colic.
- Gas Colic
Gas colic is a mild abdominal pain stemming from gas buildup in the horse. This can be caused by a change in diet, low roughage consumption, parasites or administration of wormer.
- Impaction Colic
Impaction occurs when forage, sand, dirt or other material gets lodged in the colon. This makes the horse unable to pass manure and puts a halt to the digestive system. Impaction can also be caused in some cases by enteroliths, naturally occurring mineral deposits that can reach up to 15 pounds in size. Impaction colic tends to occur more in the winter months due to a lack of hydration.
- Displacement Colic
Displacement happens when the large colon moves to an abnormal location, often occurring at the pelvic flexure, where the colon narrows and makes a sharp turn. In some cases, displacement can also lead to entrapment, where something traps the gut and can cut off blood supply.
- Sand Colic
Sand colic is a result of the abnormal consumption of large amounts of sand while grazing or eating off dry, sandy ground. Nearly 80 pounds of sand have been found in a colicking horse’s gut. Naturally, sand colic is more common in southern regions where the ground tends to be more mineralized. One way you can help prevent sand colic is to avoid feeding horses from the ground and instead use a feed pan, bucket or feeder.
- Enteritis
Enteritis, the general inflammation of the gut, can also cause abdominal pain. This inflammation is most commonly caused by colonization of the gut by pathogens (bacteria or viruses) and is the most common cause of colic. Learn more about this in the Importance a Balanced Gut Microbe Ratio in the Gut.
Signs of Colic in Horses
Now that you know the causes of colic in horses, let’s discuss some signs of colic in horses. Take note: there are specific times when the signs worsen, and you will want to contact a veterinarian. We will also address those as well.
The following are signs that your horse could be experiencing colic:
- Restlessness or pawing at the ground
- Looking at or biting the flank
- Lying down and getting up repeatedly
- Rolling excessively
- Lack of appetite and decrease in water intake
- Sweating
- Elevated heart rate or respiratory rate
- Little or no manure production
- Abnormal gut sounds (too loud, too quiet or none)
Steps to Take During a Colic Episode
If your horse shows one or more signs of colic in the list above, you should absolutely contact your veterinarian. However, there are some simple steps you can take before your next appointment. We always encourage a good relationship with a veterinarian; however, we also know that sometimes your horse will respond best to some TLC directly from you.
1. Observe & Assess the Symptoms
- Monitor the horse’s behavior and symptoms closely:
- How often do they lie down or roll
- Whether they’re passing manure
- Heart rate (normal is 28–44 bpm)
- Respiratory rate (normal is 8–16 breaths per minute)
- Gum color and capillary refill time (normal is pink, with refill in 1–2 seconds)
- Take note of any changes or worsening signs to report to the vet.
2. Remove Feed, but Allow Access to Water
- Prevent the horse from eating during the episode to avoid worsening the condition.
- Keep fresh water available at all times, as dehydration can complicate colic.
3. Walk the Horse if Necessary
- Gently walking the horse can help alleviate gas and prevent rolling.
- Avoid overexertion, as it may worsen exhaustion or discomfort.
- If the horse is calm and lying quietly, allow them to rest.
4. Avoid Allowing the Horse to Roll Excessively
- While rolling doesn’t worsen colic in horses, excessive rolling can lead to twisting of the intestines in severe cases. If the horse attempts to roll violently, try to keep them up and moving.
5. Do Not Administer Medications Without Veterinary Advice
- Some owners may use pain relief like Banamine (flunixin meglumine), but it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian before administering any drugs. Painkillers can mask symptoms and delay proper diagnosis.
6. Keep the Horse in a Safe Environment
- Remove hazards from the area where the horse is kept during the episode.
- If possible, keep the horse in a well-bedded stall or enclosed paddock.
7. Call the Veterinarian
- Provide the vet with:
- A detailed description of symptoms
- The horse’s vital signs
- Any recent changes in diet, activity or environment
- A history of past colic episodes, if applicable
8. Follow Veterinary Instructions
The veterinarian might ask you to continue monitoring the horse, keep it walking or prepare the horse for an in-clinic examination if surgery is needed.
Emergency Signs to Watch For
If your horse shows signs of colic that don’t resolve within 30 minutes or if symptoms are severe, as in the list below, seek immediate veterinary attention:
- The horse is in uncontrollable pain or thrashing violently.
- There’s no response to walking or other attempts to soothe them.
- The gums are pale, purple or dry (indicating shock or dehydration).
- There’s no manure production for longer than 12 hours.
- The horse’s heart rate exceeds 60 bpm or continues to rise.
Preventing Colic in Horses
At BioZyme®, makers of Vitalize, we always like to take a proactive approach to animal health and nutrition. We encourage you to prevent colic rather than watching for signs and calling a veterinarian. While not all cases of colic are preventable, you can reduce the risk with proper management.
1. Provide a Consistent Diet
- Feed high-quality forage as the primary diet – hay or pasture
- Limit grain and concentrate feed, as sudden changes can disrupt gut flora.
- Avoid sudden dietary changes; introduce new feed gradually over 7–10 days.
2. Ensure Proper Hydration
- Provide clean, fresh water at all times.
- Ensure water is not frozen in cold weather, or better yet, use heated buckets as horses prefer warm water.
- Add electrolytes for horses to water or feed if needed to encourage drinking.
3. Regular Feeding Schedule
- Feed small, frequent meals rather than large, infrequent ones.
- Avoid long gaps between feeding times.
4. Parasite Control
- Use a horse dewormer, following a scheduled fecal egg count.
- Rotate pastures or cross-graze with other species to reduce parasite load.
5. Encourage Movement
- Provide daily turnout or regular exercise to promote gut motility.
- Avoid prolonged stabling or inactivity.
6. Minimize Sand Ingestion
- Feed off the ground using mats or feeders.
- Avoid grazing on sandy soils to reduce sand build-up.
7. Regular Dental Care
- Ensure teeth are floated regularly to allow proper chewing and digestion.
8. Monitor for Risk Factors
- Be cautious with horses prone to colic or those with a history of gastrointestinal issues.
- Observe closely during times of stress, such as travel or weather changes.
Vitalize can Help
We know that you can’t always prevent colic, but you can give your horse a good gut feeling every day with supplements from Vitalize. Vitalize is a line of horse supplements with proven solutions to keep your animal healthy and performing.
A daily dose of a Vitalize product, powered by AO-Biotics® Amaferm® can help your horse’s digestive health. Amaferm is a research-proven prebiotic designed to enhance digestibility.
Vitalize Equine Digest More Plus
Vitalize ® Equine Digest More® Plus is a pelleted supplement for horses designed to support hindgut health, digestion of nutrients and hoof and coat health. It includes a higher level of Amaferm and MOS, to normalize hindgut microflora and support the immune system.
Vitalize Equine Vitamin & Mineral Supplement
Vitalize® Equine Vitamin & Mineral Supplement is a highly-fortified, loose vitamin and mineral supplement for horses designed to support nutritional and digestive health.
Furthermore, when the body is under stress, such as during a colic incidence, consider giving your horse Vitalize® Equine Gel. Vitalize Equine Gel is a prebiotic and nutrient-rich gel for horses designed to give immediate support to the digestive and immune systems. It contains Amaferm and MOS (Mannan oligosaccharide) to help normalize hindgut microflora and support the immune system. Vitalize Equine Gel works fast to support appetite and hydration.
Get your Vitalize Today!
We hope you find this guide to colic in horses useful. We know that colic isn’t 100% preventable, but giving your horse a good gut feeling is something you can control.
It’s time to add Vitalize to your feed room. You can purchase it online on our website or through any one of BioZyme’s online retailers.
If you want to shop locally, search for your local BioZyme dealer on our website.
If you are looking for Vitalize products, and can’t find a dealer near you, refer your dealer to carry these products.
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