🩺 Vet Guide 2025: Why Colic in Horses Is a Symptom—Not a Disease 🐴💡

Author: Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Colic is one of the most feared words among horse owners—but did you know that colic is not a disease in itself? It’s actually a clinical sign of abdominal pain. In this 2025 vet guide, Dr Duncan Houston explains why understanding this distinction matters and how you can reduce your horse’s risk through proper management. 🐎📘

🧠 What Is Colic Really?

Colic simply means abdominal discomfort or pain. While it’s often linked to gastrointestinal issues, it can stem from many other sources too, including:

• 🦠 Intestinal blockages or spasms
• 🥩 Non-GI causes like kidney or uterine pain
• 🧬 Systemic disease affecting abdominal nerves

Just like “colic” in human babies or “tummy aches” in people, it's a symptom, not a standalone diagnosis. 🩺

🧪 Why “Colic Prevention” Is Tricky

Dr David Ramey emphasizes that no one method prevents all colic. Feeding supplements, changing exercise routines, or adding new feeds won’t offer a miracle solution. ❌

However, maintaining a healthy gut and environment can greatly reduce the risk. ✅

🛠️ Vet-Recommended Colic Prevention Tips (2025)

1️⃣ Water Is Critical 💧

• 🚰 Provide clean, fresh water at all times
• 🐴 Horses prefer buckets over automatic waterers
• 🌡️ Warm water encourages drinking in cold weather

2️⃣ Prioritize Turnout and Movement 🏃‍♂️

• 🌿 Horses on pasture colic less than stalled horses
• 🔁 Encourage daily exercise or turnout

3️⃣ Prevent Sand Ingestion in Dry Climates 🏜️

• 🪣 Feed off the ground in troughs or feeders
• ⚠️ Sand can cause digestive tract irritation or blockages

4️⃣ Feed More Forage, Less Grain 🌾

• 🍃 Make high-quality forage the foundation of the diet
• 🚫 Limit grain and concentrates, which increase colic risk

5️⃣ Avoid Sudden Feed Changes 🔄

• ⏳ 90% of colic cases occur within 3 days of a feed change
• 📆 Always transition feeds over at least 7–10 days

6️⃣ Feed on a Consistent Schedule 🕒

• 📋 Horses thrive on routine and regular feeding times
• ⚠️ Irregular meals can trigger digestive upset

📋 Symptoms of Colic to Watch For

• 🔁 Repeated rolling or pawing
• 🚫 Refusal to eat or drink
• 🩺 Looking at the flanks, kicking at the belly
• 📉 No manure output or abnormal gut sounds

If any of these signs appear, contact your vet immediately. ⏱️

🧠 Dr Duncan Houston’s Advice

"Colic is a red flag. It’s your horse’s way of saying something is wrong inside. Focus on prevention through management—not miracle cures." 🐴🧠

🔚 Final Thoughts: Symptom, Not Sentence

Colic isn’t a single disease—it’s a sign of something deeper. While not all colics are preventable, stable routines, clean water, forage-focused diets, and exercise go a long way in reducing the risk. Keep your horse’s digestive health in check, and colic becomes far less likely. 🐎💪

Want a personalized colic prevention plan? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for expert support. 📱🩺