Colic Scare

If you’ve owned a horse for longer than a few minutes (kidding, but not really), then chances are you’ve had a brush with a colic scare. According to the USDA, “the term colic refers to abdominal pain that may be caused by many different problems. In horses, most of these problems involve the gastrointestinal tract.” You probably know the worrying signs: pawing, rolling, looking or kicking at the belly, lack of poop production. 

The experience appears to be universal amongst horse owners; not a matter of if but a matter of when you will care for a horse that has a colic episode. Approximately 4 in every 100 horses will experience a colic episode in their lifetime, with some breeds, such as Thoroughbreds, more vulnerable to colic than others (USDA). Since the reality of horses is that they are prone to stomach aches that turn to larger issues, it’s important to be ready when it happens. We can do this by using our observational skills, calling the vet, and having a few tools on hand.

Intervention 1: These boots are made for walkin’

If you find your horse experiencing colic-like symptoms, such as pawing, rolling, or kicking at their belly, the first line of defense is to get a halter on them and get them walking. Movement not only prevents them from lying down and rolling, but it also encourages movement in the digestive system. If you aren’t able to get them walking immediately, then it’s best to closely monitor them until you can get them moving, especially if they are in a stall, so as to reduce the risk of them becoming cast (caught against the wall or rail so they can’t get up). 

It’s also good practice to take a TPR on your horse, if you are able: temperature, pulse, and respiration. Doing this right away can give you more information–if the horse is running a fever or has a really high heart rate, that data can help the vet make a more appropriate decision. 

Temperature: use the thermometer in your vet kit to take a rectal temperature and record the temp in your phone or on a piece of paper. It’s no good to scramble trying to remember when you call the vet. However, if your horse is in such distress that you can’t safely take a temperature, don’t place yourself at risk to do so. A typical temperature range is 99 to 101 degrees. 

Pulse: place your index and middle finger against the inside of your horse’s jaw, feeling for a structure under the skin that feels like a string. Apply light pressure and feel for the pulsing there. Once you’ve found it, use a timer to count the beats in 15 seconds. However many beats you count, multiply by 4 for the beats per minute. Again, record this in some way so you aren’t struggling to remember. A typical respiration number for an adult horse is 28 to 48 beats per minute. 

Respiratory: watch the horse’s ribcage or flank area. Once you see the pattern, use a timer and count the breaths you see in 15 seconds. However many breaths you observe, multiply by 4 for the breaths per minute. A horse at rest usually falls between 8-14 breaths per minute. 

Intervention 2: Call me maybe

Calling the vet can feel really stressful, particularly if your horse is having a colic episode late at night or the weekend (and let’s face it, so many of these episodes seem to fall during these times!). But giving your vet a call right away can do a few things: (a) give them a heads up of the situation, and (b) provide you with some guidance and expertise. 

A friend of mine recently had a colic episode with one of her horses, and when she called the vet (around 11pm on a Thursday), the vet was able to give her some guidance that ultimately resolved the issue by morning. Calling the emergency line can feel like an imposition or really stressful, but it’s really important to have some help in these situations. 

Intervention 3: To Banamine or not to Banamine

Banamine is the drug name for flunixin meglumine, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory used in veterinary medicine, and is a much cited medication for colic treatment. Many horse owners I know keep a tube on hand for colic scares, as it can help to alleviate the distress of a gas colic enough for the horse to calm and the colic to pass. 

However, not all colic cases benefit from the use of Banamine, which is why Intervention 2 listed above is call your vet. They’ll be able to give guidance as to whether or not administering Banamine is a good option for the situation. In my friend’s case above, the use of flunixin meglumine eased the horse’s discomfort and the gas colic passed by morning. 

It’s good practice to have a well-stocked vet kit in the barn in case of emergency, and a tube of flunixin meglumine (Banamine or Prevail) is a great foundational item to have on hand. 

Most cases of colic resolve with some minor intervention, and again, horse owners everywhere know the relief of seeing a colicky horse pooping on the gravel at 2am (IYKYK). It’s important to stay calm and consider the above interventions when you find yourself facing this frightening horse-related situation.