Equine Colic can Kill your Horse

Colic signs alert equine owners to abdominal pain in their horses. Colic can range from mild to severe. Many of the conditions that cause colic can become life threatening in a short period of time.

By recognizing if your horse is experiencing colic, and seeking veterinary help immediately, your horse can have a good chance for recovery.

Horses appear to be predisposed to colic due to the anatomy and function of their digestive system. Prevention is the key to minimizing this condition.

To help reduce the risk of colic in your horse:

• Establish feeding and exercise schedules for your horse and stay with it daily.

• Feed your horse a high quality diet, mostly roughage.

• Avoid feeding your horse excessive grain and/or energy supplements. At least half of your horse’s energy should be supplied through hay or forage.

• Divide daily concentrate rations into two smaller feedings rather than one large one to help avoid overloading your horse’s digestive system.

• Set up a regular parasite control program for your horse with the help of your vet.

• Provide exercise and/or turnout for your horse on a daily basis.

• Provide clean, fresh water at all times for your horse.

• Avoid putting your horses’ feed on the ground (grains, ect), especially in sandy type soil.

• Inspect your horses’ hay, turnouts or pastures used by your horse, for potentially toxic substances, such as noxious weeds, and other indigestible items.

• Reduce your horses’ stress. Horses experiencing changes in their environment or routines are at high risk of developing colic. Observe your horse when transporting or changing their surroundings, such as at equine shows, trail riding adventures and so forth.

Paying attention to your horse and any observable colic signs can save your horses life with quick action on the part of your vet. Utilizing the information above can go a long way with colic prevention.

There are many equine owners with many ideas on colic prevention. Please consult your veterinarian for individual advice and recommendations on colic prevention for your horse. The above recommendations serve only as a guide for general knowledge. Most responsible equine owners follow these to keep their horse healthy.

Have a great day with your horse. Reader feedback is welcome!

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