The Equine Surgical Emergency and Critical Care Service at the UC Davis veterinary hospital provides 24-hour access to specialized emergency surgery and intensive care management of colic, trauma, and orthopedic emergencies. The integration of experienced and knowledgeable clinicians, veterinary technicians and students in a fully equipped and technologically advanced facility enables a high standard of care for critically ill horses.
“Colic” is an unwelcome word in the equine world. The majority of equestrians have at least one colic story, with outcomes ranging from good to gut wrenching. Since colic is common and can have serious implications, it is an often-discussed topic, complete with plenty of anecdotal evidence, myths, and unscientific advice. We teamed up with Julie Dechant, DVM, MS, DACVS, DACVECC, professor of equine surgery and assistant director of the UC Davis veterinary hospital’s Large Animal Clinic to provide some clarity on equine colic.
Perhaps one of the only things worse than having a horse colic is having a horse colic again. Recurrent colic refers to repeated episodes of abdominal discomfort that occur over weeks to years, with at least 48 hours between episodes. Although common, recurrent colic can be frustrating as it is often challenging to diagnose the underlying cause since clinical signs are usually mild.
Most equestrians will encounter a colicking horse at some point. Whether the episode is mild or severe, being able to recognize the signs of colic and react quickly and appropriately may be vital. There are things that you can do before, during, and after a horse colics to maximize the chances for a successful outcome.
What to Do Before a Horse Colics
Since colic is not a matter of if, but when, it is best to be prepared. Here are some important things you can do before a horse colics:
