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:
Colic is a top concern for owners and veterinarians. Although it is common, our understanding of colic is complicated by the fact that it is not a simple disease, but a syndrome of clinical signs that encompasses multiple risk factors.
Abdominal pain in horses ranges from mild and easy to treat (or resolves on its own) to severe and requiring surgery, generally falling into one of four categories.
General Types of Colic
Intestinal dysfunction - This type of colic usually responds to medical management and has a good prognosis. It includes:
Center for Equine Health Teaching Herd horse Driftintwistin Smoke, a 14-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, was prone to colic. Initially, medical management easily resolved the episodes. However, subsequent colics were harder to treat. The suspected cause was recurrent displacement of the large colon, a serious condition that can quickly cause painful blockages that lead to colic.
Summer is a time of transition at UC Davis. We say farewell to graduating students, and welcome many into the equine veterinary profession. We wish them well in the next stages of their careers!
For the summer Horse Report, we chose a big topic - colic. Colic is a word that gives pause to even the most seasoned equestrians. One of the most common equine health conditions, it is of significant concern for owners and veterinarians.
The cornea, the clear tissue at the front of the eye, provides a window for the horse to see through and focuses light on the retina, making it essential for proper vision. Wounds in the cornea, or corneal ulcers, are common in horses. They have several potential causes, including injury, infection, and autoimmune disease. If not treated quickly with the correct therapy, they can affect vision permanently and even result in the loss of the eye.
