What causes a horse to Colic?

Common Causes Colic can be caused by many things. Here are some common causes: Sand Colic: When horses ingest sand. Horses that are fed on sandy ground or have access to it may eat small bits of sand.

Over time, the sand will build up in the intestines and eventually cause discomfort. The horse may be carrying 30-80 pounds before showing signs of colic. Over feeding: If a horse breaks into the feed area and gorges itself colic could result.

Parasitism: Worm infestations disrupt circulation in the intestines, or blood clots and bits of dead worms may cause blockages. Irregular Feed Schedule: This may cause a horse to wolf feed if he gets really hungry. Feeding right after work or if horse is still hot also can cause horse to come down with colic.

Sudden Changes in Feed: When you change feeds, or introduce new feed, be sure you do so slowly! Bad Feed: Moldy or rotten feed may cause colic. Ingestion of Non-feed materials: Stones, sticks, twine, and wood splinters are examples.

Cribbers or horses that chew wood have a risk of swallowing bits and getting colic. Fine Grain: Sometimes it will pack together and cause blockages in the intestine. Poisons: Some poisons may cause colic.

Moldy feed may cause mold poisoning and colic. Twisted Intestines: Very severe and life-threatening. There are different types of twists in different areas, and they each have names.

Here are a few: Strangulation: When parts of intestine become entangled in tears in the supportive membrane. Incarceration: Intestine is caught in inguinal ring of male horses, and blood supply is cut off by twisting. Intussusception: One part of the intestine falls into the other.

More common in foals than older horses. Most colics can be classified as one of these 3 types: Intestinal Dysfunction The horse's digestive tract is not working properly. Impaction, paralysis, and excessive gas are examples.

This type is the most common. Intestinal Accidents This is where the intestines are injured or torn, and are less common than the type mentioned above, but usually require emergency surgery.

The three main causes of colic (spasmodic, impaction, gassy) are generally related to feed and management. A rich diet fed infrequently or a sudden change to rich grass are the most common causes of gassy or spasmodic colic. Impactions are usually caused by horses standing in and eating their bedding.

What is less predictable is the timing of more severe colic such as a twisted intestine (torsion or volvulus). These usually happen "out of the blue" and there is not usually a predisposing cause. It used to be thought that the horse rolling causes the intestine to twist but that is now known to be false.

The twisted intestine causes the horse to roll!

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