🆘 Vet Guide 2025: What to Do While Waiting for the Vet During a Horse Colic Episode 🐴⏱️

Author: Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

When your horse shows signs of colic, it’s hard not to panic. Colic can range from mild to life-threatening, and while you’re waiting for your veterinarian to arrive, your actions matter. In this 2025 vet guide, Dr Duncan Houston shares what you can—and should—do during those critical early moments. 🐎💡

🧠 Step One: Stay Calm

Keeping your cool helps your horse stay calm too. Horses sense stress, and your calm demeanor helps reduce their agitation. While you can’t perform treatment, you can provide comfort and prevent further harm. 🧘‍♂️

🏃‍♂️ Step Two: Keep Your Horse Standing, If Possible

• 🩺 Encourage standing and walking—this can help stimulate gut movement
• 🔁 Avoid constant or forced walking if your horse is clearly exhausted
• 💥 Prevent rolling—rolling may worsen twisted intestines (though not always the cause)

📌 If the horse is violently trying to roll and you cannot keep them up, don’t put yourself in danger. Safety first. 🧯

💊 Should You Give Banamine? Probably Not.

This is one of the most common questions—and most misunderstood actions. ❌

• ⚠️ Do NOT give Banamine unless your vet instructs you
• 💉 IV administration is required—IM injection can cause severe infections
• 🧪 Giving pain meds masks symptoms and delays proper diagnosis or referral

📛 Let your vet evaluate your horse's unaltered condition. This gives the best chance for an accurate and timely decision. 🕵️‍♂️

🚫 Withhold Food Until Your Vet Arrives

Do not let your horse eat, even if they show interest.

• 🥕 Eating could worsen blockages or interfere with a vet’s treatment plan
• 🩺 Keep hay and grain out of reach until given the all-clear

🧠 Dr Duncan Houston’s Advice

"Your job is to be calm, alert, and observant. Write down any changes or signs you see—rolling, sweating, manure passed—and let your vet know right away." 🐴📋

📋 What to Note for the Vet

• ⏱️ Time of colic onset
• 🔁 Frequency of rolling, pawing, or lying down
• 🧪 Any manure passed or refusal to eat
• 💉 Any medications previously administered

🔚 Final Thoughts: Stay Safe, Stay Observant

Colic is scary, but you’re not powerless. Your goal is to keep your horse safe and comfortable, minimize damage, and provide your vet with accurate, unaltered information. That makes all the difference. 🐎❤️

Need emergency support while waiting? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for expert guidance from licensed equine veterinarians. 📱🆘