🩺 Vet Update 2025: Recognizing Colic Signs in Horses Early to Save Lives 🐴⚠️

Author: Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Colic is one of the most urgent conditions a horse owner may face—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Colic is not a disease, but a sign of abdominal pain. While it's usually caused by digestive issues, it may stem from other sources too. Horses express pain differently, making early recognition essential. In this 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston outlines what to watch for and when to call your vet. 🐎🚨

🤔 What Is Colic, Really?

Colic refers to abdominal pain and can arise from:

• 🔄 Gas or impaction in the GI tract
• 🔬 Twisting (torsion) of the intestines
• 🧬 Non-GI causes like kidney, liver, or uterine pain

It’s vital to know that colic is a symptom—not a final diagnosis. 💡

📋 Common Signs of Colic in Horses

• 🥕 Refusing to eat (a very consistent sign)
• 🐴 Restlessness—walking in circles or lying down
• 🔁 Rolling (try to prevent it but not always avoidable)
• 💦 Excessive sweating from pain
• 🐾 Pawing at the ground
• 🔁 Kicking at the belly or flank-watching
• 👃 Flehmen response (curling of upper lip)

Each horse may exhibit signs differently depending on pain tolerance and cause. Some horses may look mildly uncomfortable but have severe internal issues. 🧠

🚫 Don’t Wait for All the Signs

You don’t need to check every box to call the vet. Horses with early or “mild” colic symptoms may still be in the early stages of a serious internal twist or obstruction. 🕒

💡 A Note on Bowel Movements:

• ✅ Passing manure is a good sign, but...
• ❌ It does NOT rule out serious colic

The horse’s upper GI tract may be distended while the lower portion remains functional. Never use poop alone as a gauge of colic severity. ⚠️

🧠 Dr Duncan Houston’s Key Advice

"One of the earliest and most reliable colic signs I watch for is appetite. If your horse isn’t eating after treatment, they’re still in trouble." 🐴📉

🩺 When to Call the Vet Immediately

Pick up the phone if you notice:

• 🥕 Refusal to eat
• 💦 Unexplained sweating
• 🐎 Repeated rolling or pawing
• 🛑 Abnormal manure or gut sounds
• ⏱️ Changes in demeanor or alertness

⚠️ Rolling and Risk of Torsion

Many worry that rolling causes the intestines to twist. While rolling may contribute to torsion, twisting can happen without rolling. It’s still important to limit rolling safely if possible. 🌀

🔚 Final Word: React Early, Stay Calm

Colic is a medical emergency with a wide range of signs. The sooner you catch it, the better the outcome. Watch for subtle changes in appetite, movement, and behavior, and don’t hesitate to call your vet. 🐎💪

Need fast advice or access to equine experts? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for real-time help with colic and other horse emergencies. 📱🩺