🆘 Vet Guide 2025: What to Do First When Your Horse Has Colic 🐴⏱️

Author: Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

The word “colic” sends fear into every horse owner’s heart—but knowing what to do in the first moments can make a big difference in outcome. While each case is unique, there are clear steps every owner should take immediately when colic is suspected. In this 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston walks through the best initial management practices for colic—before your vet arrives. 🐎🚨

🚶‍♂️ Step 1: Walk—But Don’t Overdo It

Walking is often the go-to response for colic and can be helpful in low-grade or mild cases to prevent rolling and encourage gut movement. However:

• 📆 Walk for 10 minutes every hour, not constantly
• 😓 Over-walking can exhaust both horse and handler
• 💥 If the horse is in severe pain, walking won’t help—don’t force it

Let the horse rest if they’re not actively trying to roll or thrash. 🛌

📞 Step 2: Call Your Vet Early

Every colic is a potential emergency. Don’t “wait and see” if:

• 🐎 The horse is rolling, pawing, or lying down repeatedly
• 📉 Appetite has decreased or feed is refused
• 💩 No manure has passed recently

It’s easier (and less expensive) to treat early than to wait until the horse becomes dehydrated or critical. 🩺

❌ Step 3: Withhold Feed

It’s important to not feed hay, grain, or treats while colic is suspected. However, if the horse appears hungry:

• 🌿 Allow brief grazing—5 minutes per hour max
• 🥣 Avoid anything that adds bulk to a potential impaction

Let your vet determine when it’s safe to resume full feeding. 🍽️

💧 Step 4: Offer Water, Watch Intake

A 1,000 lb horse needs to drink at least 6 gallons of water per day. Dehydration is a common cause and consequence of colic. 🚱

If your horse is not drinking:

• 🚫 Don’t force it—but do offer clean, fresh water
• 🧊 Avoid very cold water in winter
• 🧪 Tell your vet if water intake has dropped

📋 What to Monitor and Report

Keep track of:

• 🕒 Time colic signs began
• 🔁 Frequency and intensity of signs (rolling, pawing, lying down)
• 💩 Manure output, color, and consistency
• 📉 Changes in appetite or drinking

🧠 Dr Duncan Houston’s Advice

"The sooner you call your vet, the better the odds. Don’t wait for dramatic signs. If your horse is off feed, something’s wrong." 🐴🩺

🔚 Final Word: Act Early, Stay Safe

Initial colic management isn’t about fixing the problem—it’s about stabilizing the situation until your vet arrives. Don’t wait for things to get worse. Observe, act calmly, and contact your veterinarian early. 🐎❤️

Need emergency advice or support while waiting for your vet? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for real-time expert help. 📱🆘